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Floating Structure Embracing Natural Light With Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Cork Insulation for a Yoga Retreat

Authors:
Filipe Costa, Filipa Pereira
Floating Structure Embracing Natural Light With Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Cork Insulation for a Yoga Retreat

Project in-detail

With a design that incorporates floating volumes and extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels, this yoga retreat harmonizes with its forest surroundings while offering a serene space for mindfulness and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure employs a floating design to minimize land impact and enhance the connection with nature.
02
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber creates both structural integrity and aesthetic warmth throughout the retreat.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide an innovative finish that offers fire resistance while blending with the forest ambiance.
04
A dedicated vegetable garden integrates sustainability into daily life, supporting the wellness theme of the retreat.
05
The bent A-frame shape allows for unique spatial experiences and maximizes natural light exposure in all rooms.
Jardim Coberto is an architectural design project that exemplifies an integrated approach to living in harmony with nature. Situated amidst a serene landscape of pine trees, this yoga house serves not only as a personal retreat but also as an embodiment of sustainable architectural practices. The project represents the convergence of functional living spaces with mindfulness and environmental stewardship. Its primary function is to provide a tranquil environment for yoga practice and relaxation, promoting physical and mental well-being through its thoughtfully designed spaces.

In terms of layout, Jardim Coberto features a comprehensive design that invites natural light and encourages interaction with the surrounding landscape. The entrance hall, designed as a warm welcome, leads to a spacious yoga area that captures expansive views of the forest through large glass panels. This strategic use of glass is a notable design approach within the project, allowing for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. The continuous connection to nature fortifies the overall experience, enabling users to feel more engaged with their surroundings.

The kitchen area combines functionality with a social atmosphere, emphasizing collaboration and community. The open-plan design supports everyday interactions while maintaining a direct connection with the external landscape, ensuring that both privacy and openness coexist harmoniously. Supporting areas, including a technical zone for energy management and a vegetable garden for sustainable living, further reflect the architect's commitment to a holistic design philosophy.

The choice of materials is critical in achieving the project's objectives. Notable elements include Portuguese cork, which offers excellent thermal insulation and acoustic comfort, enhancing the intimate atmosphere within the home's interiors. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) serves as the primary structural material, providing a sturdy yet visually appealing framework that highlights the beauty of natural finishes. These materials are complemented by large expanses of glass that not only allow natural light to flood the interior but also create a visual bond with the forest, accentuating architectural transparency.

One unique aspect of Jardim Coberto is its minimal environmental impact, reflected in the strategic design choices that maintain the area's ecological balance. The use of advanced eco-technologies, including solar panels and water recycling systems, underscores the project's sustainable focus. The foundation's design employs ground screws rather than traditional anchoring methods, reducing land disturbance and preserving the existing ecosystem. The integration of grey water recycling aligns with the project's commitment to resource conservation, further emphasizing the importance of environmental responsibility in architectural design.

Overall, the architecture of Jardim Coberto illustrates a coherent narrative of how modern design can coexist with nature, challenge conventional living environments, and prioritize sustainability. By encouraging a lifestyle that embraces both physical and mental wellness, it sets a new standard for architectural designs that seek to harmonize the built environment with the natural world. This project offers rich architectural ideas and perspectives that are designed to inspire and inform those interested in sustainable living.

For those who wish to delve deeper into the intricacies of this innovative project, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs will provide further insight into the thoughtful elements that contribute to its overall concept and functionality. By engaging with these details, readers can appreciate how Jardim Coberto showcases an exemplary approach to integrating architecture with nature in a meaningful and responsible manner.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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