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Sun-Dried Bricks and Local Timber Create a Mindful Retreat Nestled in a Lithuanian Bog

Author:
Vlad Dumitru
Sun-Dried Bricks and Local Timber Create a Mindful Retreat Nestled in a Lithuanian Bog

Project in-detail

Crafted from sun-dried bricks and local timber, this retreat seamlessly integrates sustainable materials with the tranquil landscape of a Lithuanian bog, providing an ideal environment for yoga and mindfulness practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using sun-dried bricks that enhance thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Local timber sourced from nearby forests integrates the structure with its environment.
03
The design features large floor-to-ceiling windows, maximizing natural light and views.
04
Flexible interior spaces allow for varied use during yoga sessions and communal activities.
05
Outdoor decks create seamless transitions between indoor practices and the natural landscape.

## Architectural Design Report: Yoga House in the Bog

### Project Overview

Situated in a serene Lithuanian bog, the Yoga House is designed as a retreat that integrates wellness and introspection. This architectural endeavor aims to provide a sanctuary for yoga practitioners, promoting a connection with nature while employing sustainable design principles. The design emphasizes tranquility, utilizing a range of materials and strategies to enhance the user experience through interaction with the natural environment.

### Spatial Configuration and Flow

The internal layout of the Yoga House is thoughtfully arranged to encourage a sense of connection and flow. The yoga studio occupies a central position, characterized by expansive windows that provide views of the surrounding bog landscape. Flexibility is a key feature, as evidenced in the dining area, which can be adapted for different functions, including community gatherings and yoga sessions. Distinct functional areas include a versatile yoga studio, a communal dining room, and an open-concept kitchen, each designed to foster social interaction and a holistic experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The architectural framework incorporates a hybrid system utilizing locally sourced materials, supporting both sustainability and aesthetic harmony with the natural surroundings. Key materials include sun-dried bricks for warmth and texture, locally sourced timber for structural integrity, reclaimed tiles for flooring that align with the sustainability theme, and local stone that integrates the structure within its environment. This careful selection not only enhances the building's sustainability but also contributes to the narrative of blending functional design with the inherent beauty of the site. Features such as large decks promote outdoor integration and passive solar gain through floor-to-ceiling windows, further reinforcing the commitment to environmental stewardship.

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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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