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Natural Light and Local Wood in a Serene Yoga Retreat

Authors:
Su jin Lee, Jong won Choi
Natural Light and Local Wood in a Serene Yoga Retreat

Project in-detail

Clerestory windows illuminate a spacious yoga studio crafted from locally sourced wood, seamlessly connecting practitioners with the surrounding forest while embracing sustainable design principles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Clerestory windows reduce glare while maximizing natural light in the yoga studio.
02
Locally sourced wood enhances environmental sustainability and connects with the natural setting.
03
Rainwater collection systems support water reuse for non-potable applications.
04
Roof angles are optimized for efficient photovoltaic panel placement.
05
Generous openings create unobstructed views of the surrounding forest landscape.

Yoga in the Woods is designed to create a calm space for yoga practice, integrated within a forested area. The project emphasizes a connection to nature, fostering a sense of wellness and mindfulness for its users. Using geometries, the design features high ceilings and clerestory windows that maximize daylight and enhance the environment suitable for relaxation and meditation.

Design Elements

The high ceiling in the yoga studio gives a feeling of spaciousness, allowing light to flood the area. Clerestory windows are placed to ensure ample natural light while reducing glare, making it easier to focus during practice. This thoughtful approach to natural lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere that promotes tranquility.

Integration with Nature

The building's layout focuses on connecting with the surrounding landscape. Large openings throughout the design offer clear views of the forest, bridging indoor and outdoor experiences. This arrangement not only encourages users to engage more with the natural environment but also enhances the benefits of yoga practice.

Sustainability Features

Sustainable practices are a core aspect of the design. A rainwater collection system has been integrated to allow for the reuse of water in various functions within the building. Additionally, the roof is designed to support photovoltaic panels, which generate electricity. These features contribute to the self-sufficiency of the building and highlight a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Material Usage

Locally sourced wood is used as the main material in the structure, emphasizing its connection to the surrounding area. This choice not only supports sustainability by reducing transportation but also creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The natural tones of the wood enhance the overall experience, connecting users with nature inside the yoga studio.

Large windows framed by natural wood open up to the forest, inviting the outdoors in and creating a space that feels fluid and connected to the environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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