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Mirrored Glass Retreat With Solar Tiles and Charred Wooden Shingles Emphasizing Nature Integration

Authors:
Weronika Plata, Barbara Wasilewska
Mirrored Glass Retreat With Solar Tiles and Charred Wooden Shingles Emphasizing Nature Integration

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden shingles and mirrored glass, this wellness center emphasizes environmental sensitivity and seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, providing an ideal space for yoga and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while minimizing maintenance needs.
02
Mirrored glass panels reflect the surrounding landscape, blurring boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural support with reduced environmental impact.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and airflow throughout the building.
05
Dedicated communal gathering spaces incorporate a central fire area for group meditation experiences.
The Four Senses Yoga House serves as an architectural exploration of wellness, designed to integrate the principles of yoga with the tranquility of nature. Located in a serene environment, this project emphasizes connection—both with the landscape and the inner self. The design aims to create a sanctuary for meditation and yoga practice, where users can engage deeply with their surroundings and the four elements central to wellness: earth, air, fire, and water.

The functional design incorporates spaces tailored for both individual reflection and community gatherings. Accommodation includes dedicated meditation spaces, flexible yoga studios, and areas for communal interaction. The building's layout promotes a seamless flow between these spaces, allowing for varied experiences throughout the practice.

Sustainability is a key tenet of the project. The architecture utilizes eco-friendly materials, such as sustainably sourced wood, natural stone, solar tiles, and mirrored glass. This material palette not only complements the surrounding environment but also enhances energy efficiency through the use of photovoltaic panels and rainwater harvesting systems. The design makes conscious choices to minimize its ecological footprint, aligning with contemporary emphasis on sustainable architecture.

The design incorporates unique structural elements that distinguish it from typical wellness centers. The building features a cone-shaped form, reminiscent of natural landscapes, which mitigates visual disruption while promoting a sense of harmony with the environment. Mirrored glass is strategically positioned to blend interior spaces with the outdoor scenery, creating an immersive experience. Additionally, the site planning takes advantage of the natural topography, ensuring that pathways and spaces connect users with the landscape organically.

Interior spaces leverage natural lighting through carefully placed skylights, enhancing the ambiance and reducing reliance on artificial light. Acoustic considerations are integral to the design, with specific materials selected to create a soothing environment conducive to focus and relaxation. The architectural design reflects a balance between aesthetics and functionality, adhering to principles that prioritize user experience.

The Four Senses Yoga House stands as a significant example in the realm of wellness architecture, fulfilling a niche that prioritizes spiritual and physical harmony. Its thoughtfully devised architectural plans and sections reveal a careful consideration of both structure and environment. Interested readers are encouraged to further explore the architectural designs and ideas presented in this project for a deeper understanding of its innovative approach to wellness spaces.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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