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Elevated Sanctuary With Charred Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Author:
Maria luisa Guerrini
Elevated Sanctuary With Charred Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the elevated yoga retreat harmonizes with its natural surroundings while offering serene spaces for meditation and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design allows for natural growth of trees beneath the structure.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural stability and sustainability.
04
Large glazed openings provide panoramic views and abundant natural light.
05
Integrated composting toilets support eco-friendly waste management practices.

### Project Overview

Located in a wooded landscape, the Yoga House is designed as an elevated retreat structure that fosters a tranquil environment suited for yoga and meditation. The intent is to establish a symbiotic relationship between the built form and its natural surroundings, minimizing disruption to the ecosystem while enhancing the experience of the users. The design stands apart by prioritizing both indoor and outdoor interactions, drawing on the inherent qualities of the site to create an immersive atmosphere.

### Structural Strategy and Materiality

The structure is supported by pillars, allowing for minimal excavation and fostering a fluid connection between interior and exterior spaces. A key aspect of the layout is the strategic placement of large windows that frame the surrounding bog and forest, maximizing both natural light and views. The balance of public and private areas facilitates diverse experiences, with communal spaces promoting group activities and private rooms offering individual retreats.

The material palette reflects sustainability principles and aesthetic considerations. External cladding of burnt pine slats is employed for weather resistance, while the interiors incorporate silver fir for its warmth and visual appeal. Glass elements enhance light penetration and views, supported by steel structures that ensure durability with a refined appearance. Sustainability measures include a rainwater harvesting system, solar panels, and a composting toilet, all designed to minimize environmental impact.

### Environmental Integration and User Experience

The elevated design allows for the preservation of the landscape below and encourages continuous interaction with nature. Features such as trees growing through the structure reinforce this connection and enrich the user experience. The architecture is engineered to support natural ventilation and thermal regulation, utilizing low-emissivity double-glazed windows to enhance energy efficiency.

Distinct areas within the house are tailored for various activities, from yoga sessions to intimate gatherings, creating spaces that promote both engagement and solitude. The biomimetic design embraces natural forms, with angles and slopes that resonate with the surrounding topography, thereby improving both aesthetic and functional aspects of the retreat.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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