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Operable Fabric Walls and Elevated Wood Structure Enhancing Connection to Nature in a Flexible Yoga Retreat

Authors:
Lam Hoang Bui, Thy Mai Tran, Hieu Minh Nguyen, Hung Vinh Nguyen
Operable Fabric Walls and Elevated Wood Structure Enhancing Connection to Nature in a Flexible Yoga Retreat
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Elevated wooden panels and operable fabric walls facilitate an adaptive space that seamlessly connects users with the surrounding landscape, designed specifically for yoga practice and communal engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Operable fabric walls allow flexible use of space in response to weather changes.
02
The structure is elevated to minimize ecological impact while enhancing views.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and a distinctive aesthetic.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural integrity with reduced carbon footprint.
05
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the interior.

### Project Overview

Located in a serene forest setting, the Yoga House of Closeness emphasizes wellness and a harmonious relationship with nature. The design is intended to foster connections between users, their environment, and the practice of yoga, creating an atmosphere that supports mindfulness and spatial interaction.

### Spatial Organization

The project features distinct modules that facilitate various activities. The **Yoga Space** serves as the central area, capable of opening entirely to an outdoor zone, which enhances the practice through direct engagement with the landscape. Adjacent to this is the **Kitchen/Dining Area**, designed for communal dining yet adaptable to function as additional sleeping quarters. **Changing Rooms** cater to user preferences for privacy or openness, while the **Living Quarters** balance intimacy and spaciousness to accommodate diverse needs.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection plays a crucial role in establishing the building’s unique character. Various forms of wood contribute warmth and natural aesthetics, complemented by marble detailing on window sills that reflect craftsmanship. Fabric walls are used in areas requiring flexibility, allowing for adaptive spatial configurations. The building's elevation reduces ecological impact and optimizes scenic views, while the carefully considered orientation enhances natural ventilation and daylighting, responding effectively to climatic conditions.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

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?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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