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Elevated Walkways and Glass Facades in a Biophilic Wellness Retreat

Author:
Paul Boldeanu
Elevated Walkways and Glass Facades in a Biophilic Wellness Retreat
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Elevated walkways interconnect multifunctional spaces, utilizing glass facades and natural materials to create a tranquil environment for wellness activities amidst a lush landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated walkways preserve the natural landscape while enhancing connectivity between spaces.
02
Extensive use of glass facades maximizes natural light and outdoor views.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance while adding a tactile quality.
05
The bent A-frame design supports open interior layouts and improves acoustics.

### Project Overview
Located within a natural landscape, the Yoga Pier is designed as a wellness sanctuary that emphasizes the connection between the human experience and the environment. The intent of this project is to create a biophilic design that integrates ecological principles with architectural elements to enhance well-being and tranquility. The report explores the conceptual framework, materials used, and key characteristics that define this space.

### Spatial Organization and Design Intent
The layout features interconnected structures, including yoga studios, multifunctional spaces, and private suites, all linked by elevated walkways. This spatial strategy promotes movement through the landscape and encourages continuous interaction with nature. The design prioritizes user engagement by creating functional areas that facilitate group activities such as yoga sessions and mindfulness workshops. Architectural elements are strategically placed to foster a sense of community while maintaining individual privacy.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A diverse selection of materials is employed in the Yoga Pier to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Painted wood is utilized for its warmth and tactile quality, while extensive glass facades allow natural light to penetrate and provide unobstructed views. Durable aluminum serves as the framework, contributing to the structural resilience, alongside wood decking on walkways that facilitates smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor environments. Energy-efficient expanded polystyrene insulation is incorporated to support sustainability objectives, with waterproof membranes ensuring the integrity of roofing systems. This conscious selection of materials underscores the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility and user comfort.

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Competition organisers

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.

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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

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