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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.

The Latvia Yoga Club is an architectural project situated in a tranquil area of Latvia, specifically within a forested region adjacent to the beach. This design focuses on creating a holistic environment for wellness activities, particularly yoga. The architecture emphasizes a seamless integration with nature, promoting relaxation and mindfulness for its visitors while minimizing environmental impact.

The primary function of the Latvia Yoga Club is to serve as a versatile space for yoga practices, workshops, and community gatherings. The design incorporates open areas for movement, meditation, and social interaction, reflecting an understanding of the importance of both physical and mental well-being. Using a staggered layout, the building weaves through the existing landscape, taking care not to disrupt the natural surroundings and encouraging visitors to engage collaboratively with the environment.

UNIQUE DESIGN APPROACHES

One of the key distinguishing features of the Latvia Yoga Club is its commitment to sustainability. The design employs a variety of eco-friendly materials that enhance the building's connection to the natural environment. Laminated double-layer glass provides transparency and views of the forest while ensuring thermal insulation. The structural integrity is achieved through lightweight steel columns that create open and airy interior spaces, allowing for flexible arrangements that can adapt to different activities.

Another notable aspect is the circular form of the building's pods, which house specific functions such as yoga studios, meditation rooms, and communal spaces. This design choice not only promotes spatial fluidity but also enhances sunlight penetration, further connecting the interior environment to the outdoor landscape. Elevated walkways facilitate movement between the pods, allowing visitors to navigate through the forest while maintaining a respectful distance from existing trees.

MULTI-PURPOSE FUNCTIONALITY

The Latvia Yoga Club's architecture also emphasizes multi-purpose functionality, providing flexibility for various activities beyond yoga. The design team carefully considered how the layout and spaces can be used for social events, workshops, and wellness treatments. This versatility contributes to creating a community hub that fosters connections among visitors.

The materials used in the project, including wood for flooring and concrete for foundations, add an organic touch while ensuring durability and stability. The overall design embodies a contemporary approach to architecture that respects and enhances the natural landscape rather than competing with it.

For more insights into the architectural plans and sections, as well as the various design concepts and ideas behind the Latvia Yoga Club, it is encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation. This offers a deeper understanding of the architecture and its role in promoting well-being within the community.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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