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Natural Light-Filled Space Defined by Rammed Earth and Sloped Roof in a Community Wellness Center

Authors:
David Fitoussi, Annabelle Rougemont
Natural Light-Filled Space Defined by Rammed Earth and Sloped Roof in a Community Wellness Center

Project in-detail

With walls of rammed earth and a roof that elegantly slopes to maximize natural light, the design creates a serene environment tailored for yoga and meditation practices within a community wellness center.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide exceptional thermal mass for energy efficiency.
02
The sloped roof design maximizes natural light throughout the interior.
03
Pathways are integrated with local stone to enhance environmental connection.
04
Meditative spaces are intentionally aligned with solar trajectories.
05
Community areas encourage interaction among users, fostering a sense of belonging.
The project, Hatha Path, presents a focused exploration of architectural design that aligns with wellness and mindfulness principles. This architectural endeavor emphasizes the integration of built environments with natural landscapes, creating spaces dedicated to meditation and yoga practice. The design reflects a dual commitment to sustainability and functionality, ultimately serving as a refuge for users seeking balance and tranquility.

The Hatha Path consists of various interconnected structures that include a main yoga space, meditation areas, and pathways that traverse the surrounding landscape. Each component is crafted to enhance the user experience, encouraging both individual reflection and communal engagement. The architectural elements harmoniously work together to support the core functions of the project, fostering a sense of peace and connection to nature.

Spatial Organization and Materiality

A key characteristic of Hatha Path is its innovative spatial organization. The main yoga area is designed with multi-faceted roofs that create a dynamic interior environment while allowing natural light to penetrate from multiple angles. This enhances the experience of movement and stillness intrinsic to yoga practice. The use of rammed earth for walls contributes to thermal mass, regulating temperature effectively, while wooden and metal roofing materials provide structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.

Pathways weave through the landscape, crafted to encourage exploration and movement. The materials used in the paving consist of local stone, promoting sustainability and minimizing environmental impact. Water features along these pathways not only enhance visual appeal but also create a calming ambiance, reinforcing the project's connection to the surrounding ecological context.

Unique Design Features

Hatha Path distinguishes itself through its integration of architectural elements with the natural environment. The project’s layout considers solar orientation, with key spaces aligned to capture natural light during different seasons. Such considerations serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, enhancing the spiritual quality of the yoga experience.

The thoughtful incorporation of communal spaces, including a kitchenette and gathering areas, encourages interaction among users. This design approach supports a community-oriented atmosphere that fosters social connections, which is critical to the mission of the project. Additionally, the use of nature-inspired motifs in the architecture provides a cohesive visual identity, setting it apart from conventional wellness architecture.

Sustainable Practices and Community Engagement

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Hatha Path project. The selection of environmentally friendly materials and energy-efficient design principles highlights a commitment to reducing the ecological footprint. The rammed earth walls not only ensure durability but also promote natural insulation, effectively reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

Community engagement is another pivotal aspect of the design. The layout encourages participants to explore and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings, fostering a deeper connection to the environment. This experience is enhanced through intentional pathways and communal spaces that invite collaboration.

For a more comprehensive understanding of Hatha Path, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. This will provide deeper insights into the principles and technical details that define this unique architectural endeavor.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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