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Hollow Brick Retreat with Passive Solar Walls and Rainwater Collection

Author:
Kumata Feng
Hollow Brick Retreat with Passive Solar Walls and Rainwater Collection
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Constructed with hollow bricks and equipped with passive solar walls, the retreat incorporates a sloping roof for rainwater collection, creating a functional space designed for yoga practice and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using hollow bricks for enhanced insulation and ventilation.
02
Incorporates passive solar walls to optimize energy efficiency.
03
Features a sloping roof designed specifically for rainwater collection.
04
The yoga room is isolated from external noise for a tranquil experience.
05
Large west-facing windows provide ample natural light while shielding against wind.

The White Yoga House is located in a calming landscape that emphasizes user comfort and functional spaces. Designed as a retreat for yoga practice, the building works to connect with its environment. The aim is to create a peaceful setting that allows users to focus on meditation and relaxation. The overall idea revolves around minimizing external distractions while using space effectively, promoting a harmonious atmosphere that balances both nature and function.

Spatial Organization

The central feature of the design is an atrium, which acts as the main hub for movement between various areas. This layout provides clear distinctions among spaces. The yoga room is placed in the quieter northern section to encourage calmness and concentration. Bathrooms positioned near the entrance improve accessibility, making it easier for users to navigate the facility.

Material Selection

The building primarily uses a mix of brick construction, particularly hollow bricks, which enhance thermal insulation and aid ventilation. This material choice reflects a strong focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. Passive solar walls are integrated throughout the design, alongside solar panels positioned on the roof, contributing to maintaining comfortable interior temperatures.

Architectural Features

Key elements include a sloping roof that serves dual purposes: collecting rainwater and providing visual interest. Large windows on the western side act as both a wind shield and a source of natural light. This aspect enhances the indoor atmosphere while inviting the surrounding landscape inside. The open courtyard walls promote ventilation, ensuring that the interior spaces remain fresh and connected to nature.

Details and Aesthetics

The exterior is painted white, aimed at maximizing reflection of sunlight and reducing heat absorption. This choice creates bright, airy spaces that enhance the overall experience for users, especially within the yoga room. Thoughtfully placed design elements work together to foster a peaceful and inviting environment, highlighting a balanced relationship between the built structure and the natural surroundings.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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