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Elevated Walkways and Laminated Glass Integrate Natural Landscapes in a Mindfulness Retreat

Authors:
Xianglei Ding, Xunmin Xie, Xinyao Lin, Ruofan Xu
Elevated Walkways and Laminated Glass Integrate Natural Landscapes in a Mindfulness Retreat

Project in-detail

Laminated glass facades and elevated walkways harmoniously blend with the surrounding forest, creating a tranquil space dedicated to yoga and wellness activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Laminated glass facades enhance natural light while providing panoramic views of the surrounding forest.
02
A series of elevated walkways connect various functional pods, promoting interaction with the landscape.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance, enhancing sustainability.
04
The project footprint is designed to preserve existing trees, minimizing environmental disruption.
05
Circular design elements create versatile spaces adaptable for multiple wellness activities.

### Overview

The Latvia Yoga Club is strategically located within a forested area adjacent to the beach in Latvia, designed to function as a retreat for relaxation and mindfulness. The intent is to create a serene environment that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape, allowing users to engage with nature while participating in wellness activities.

### Spatial Configuration and Interaction

The design prioritizes minimal disruption to the existing natural environment through a staggered layout that preserves trees and vegetation. Open pathways and communal spaces foster interaction between users and the landscape, while an extensive use of glass facades enhances visual connections. Curved glass elements provide uninterrupted views of the forest, enhancing the immersive experience for visitors.

Key structural features include slender columns that elevate the building, promoting airflow beneath and allowing for the growth of native vegetation. Circular pods dedicated to various functions ensure natural sunlight penetration and a cohesive flow throughout the internal spaces, complemented by elevated walkways that connect distinct areas while encouraging engagement with the environment.

### Material Selection

The project's material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and aesthetic integration. Double-layer laminated glass is employed for the facades, balancing transparency with thermal efficiency. A lightweight steel framework supports the roof structure, contributing to resilience and long-term durability. Wood elements, utilized in flooring and finishes, provide warmth and an organic feel that aligns with the natural context.

Concrete footings establish a robust foundation, while aluminum is incorporated into fixtures and finishes, providing a modern touch with practical benefits. Together, these materials create a cohesive architectural vocabulary that enhances the user experience and promotes ecological mindfulness.

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

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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.

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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