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Elevated Yoga Retreat Featuring Timber Brise-Soleil and Natural Ventilation in a Forest Setting

Authors:
Idil Berktaş, Kaan Açkalmaz, Eylül Olmuş, Mehmet özgüç Kahrıman
Elevated Yoga Retreat Featuring Timber Brise-Soleil and Natural Ventilation in a Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Elevated on wooden stilts and enveloped by forest, a yoga retreat integrates timber brise-soleil and abundant glass to foster a tranquil setting for mindfulness and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
The retreat features innovative wooden stilts that elevate the structure, minimizing ground disturbance and preserving the natural landscape.
02
Large glass panels are strategically placed to create unobstructed views of the surrounding forest, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
03
Timber brise-soleil not only provides shade but also casts dynamic patterns across the interior, adding an element of visual interest throughout the day.
04
A rainwater catchment system is integrated into the design, promoting sustainability and minimizing reliance on municipal water sources.
05
The yoga studio incorporates reflective surfaces that amplify natural light and create an immersive environment conducive to mindfulness practices.
The Vrikshasana Yoga House is an architectural project set against the backdrop of the serene Latvian landscape in Jaunpe. This structure is more than just a building; it represents a retreat designed to nurture the practice of yoga and foster mindfulness among its users. By integrating seamlessly with its natural surroundings, the project embodies a philosophy of wellness, emphasizing the importance of harmony between human habitation and the environment.

Functionally, the Vrikshasana Yoga House serves as a space for yoga practice, meditation, and communal activities, offering an inviting atmosphere for individual reflection as well as collective experiences. The layout includes a spacious yoga studio, designed to accommodate both group sessions and personal practice, en-suite bedrooms for privacy, and communal living areas that encourage a sense of community and connection among visitors.

The architectural design strategically utilizes timber as the primary material, reflecting its local availability and reducing environmental impact. The choice of wood not only enhances the visual warmth of the structure but also ensures a level of comfort through natural insulation properties. Large glass panels are incorporated to create a strong visual and physical connection between indoor spaces and the lush forest outside. This transparency is significant, allowing natural light to permeate the interior, promoting a soothing atmosphere conducive to relaxation and focus.

Uniquely, the design of the yoga studio features a thoughtful arrangement of vertical timber brise-soleil, which casts intricate shadows throughout the day while providing a sense of privacy. This design element facilitates a functional approach to shade control while enhancing the aesthetic quality of the building. The elevated positioning of the structure on wooden stilts minimizes its ecological footprint, allowing native vegetation to thrive undisturbed beneath it.

The project goes beyond just aesthetic appeal and structural integrity; it incorporates elements of sustainability such as a rainwater catchment system and rooftop solar panels. These features are pivotal in supporting an environmentally conscious lifestyle, reflecting a commitment to sustainability that resonates with the ethos of yoga and holistic health. Natural ventilation is also a vital aspect of the design, achieved through strategically positioned openings that promote airflow, reducing reliance on mechanical systems and enhancing user comfort.

The pathway leading to the Vrikshasana Yoga House is intentionally designed to draw visitors into the natural setting, preparing them for an immersive experience. It encourages mindfulness from the moment one arrives, blending the transition from the external world to the tranquil interior seamlessly.

Overall, the Vrikshasana Yoga House is a reflection of modern architectural practices that prioritize user experience while respecting nature. The design's unique approach to integrating natural materials with contemporary techniques fosters spaces that encourage wellness and ecological responsibility. To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas that shaped this project, viewers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its significance and thoughtful execution.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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