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Emphasizing Natural Light Through Glass Walls and Timber Canopy in a Yoga House

Authors:
Santiago Esquivel, Yael Gonzalez
Emphasizing Natural Light Through Glass Walls and Timber Canopy in a Yoga House

Project in-detail

With reclaimed timber trunks integrated into its structure and expansive glass walls that invite the surrounding forest indoors, the design serves as a tranquil yoga house, promoting a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reclaimed timber trunks from the site are integrated into the structure as supporting elements.
02
Large glass walls provide panoramic views while promoting natural light throughout the interior.
03
The design is purposefully embedded in the landscape to minimize visual impact on the surroundings.
04
Flexible platforms are incorporated for various activities, enhancing communal use of the space.
05
The use of charred wooden shingles adds durability and a unique aesthetic to the building's facade.
The architectural project "Fourteen Missing Trees" is designed to serve as a yoga house situated in the Vale de Moses, an area noted for its natural beauty and tranquility. The project focuses on recovering a lost landscape by referencing the fourteen pine trees that once defined the site. It not only creates a physical space for yoga practice but also aims to foster a deeper connection with the environment, encouraging mindfulness and reflection.

The design incorporates various functional areas, including an open yoga space, platforms for resting and socializing, and pathways that facilitate circulation throughout the site. The building itself is partially embedded in the landscape, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings while maintaining an elevated yoga area with panoramic views. The use of glass walls in the yoga space maximizes natural light and integrates the indoor and outdoor environments, providing an immersive experience for users.

Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials is a critical aspect of the project's design strategy. Wood serves as the primary structural component, sourced locally to minimize transportation impacts and remain consistent with the regional context. Glass is extensively used to allow for unobstructed views and light penetration, enhancing users' interaction with nature. Stone is employed to construct pathways and platforms, aligning the project with the natural terrain and providing durability.

The sustainability focus is evident in the approach to design, which integrates recycled materials and promotes environmental awareness. By respecting the site's ecological footprint and fostering engagement with the surrounding landscape, the project emphasizes the importance of sustainability in contemporary architecture.

Unique Design Elements

What differentiates "Fourteen Missing Trees" from standard yoga houses is its narrative quality, encapsulated in both form and function. The incorporation of the tree trunks into the structural framework not only commemorates the lost trees but also creates a unique spatial organization that draws users into the natural environment. The yoga space’s elevation allows for views that frame the surrounding forest, fostering a connection with nature.

Additionally, the arrangement of the design elements promotes interaction among users. Various platforms scattered throughout the site invite communal activities while providing individual spaces for contemplation. This cohesive layout encourages a dialogue between users and their environment, reinforcing the project’s thematic focus on remembrance and recovery.

The synthesis of architectural ideas, materiality, and structural innovation within "Fourteen Missing Trees" creates a harmonious blend that supports its purpose as a yoga house. For those interested in exploring the intricate details and design intentions further, examining the architectural plans, sections, and overall design can provide invaluable insights into this project and its conceptual framework.
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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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