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Terraced Design Featuring Sustainable Charred Wood Shingles for a Cliffside Wellness Retreat

Author:
Maja Klawitter
Terraced Design Featuring Sustainable Charred Wood Shingles for a Cliffside Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with modular terraces and sustainable charred wood shingles, the cliffside structure creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments, serving as a dedicated space for yoga and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with modular terraces that blend into the surrounding landscape.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural strength and sustainability.
03
Features charred wooden shingles to improve weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and ventilation.
05
Includes an integrated rainwater harvesting system to support eco-friendly operations.
The Yoga House on a Cliff is an architectural project designed to provide a wellness space for yoga and meditation. Nestled on a cliff, the structure is strategically positioned to leverage the natural landscape, optimizing views and daylight while minimizing environmental impact. The design focuses on a holistic approach, integrating both physical and mental well-being within its architectural framework.

The primary function of the Yoga House is to serve as a retreat for yoga practitioners, offering facilities for classes, meditation, and relaxation. The layout promotes a seamless flow between spaces, enhancing user experience while ensuring accessibility to essential amenities. Key areas include a spacious yoga studio with large glass panels, a rooftop terrace for outdoor practices, changing rooms, and communal areas fostering social interaction.

Unique Design Approaches

The project incorporates a modular terraced design that extends the building into the landscape, creating garden spaces that encourage interaction with nature. This terraced configuration not only increases usable outdoor areas but also establishes a visual connection between different levels of the space. The extensive use of glass in the walls serves to dissolve barriers between indoor and outdoor environments, allowing natural light to flood the interior while framing the surrounding views.

Material selection plays a significant role in the architectural intention. The use of wood for structural elements emphasizes an organic aesthetic, while concrete provides durability and stability to the foundation. Photovoltaic panels are integrated into the design to harness solar energy, aligning the project with sustainable practice. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems are included, further enhancing the building's ecological credentials.

Sustainable Integration in Design

The Yoga House's structural integrity is supported by passive design strategies aimed at enhancing climate responsiveness. Natural ventilation is a critical aspect, allowing for air circulation and thermal comfort without mechanical systems. The building orientation is carefully considered to maximize sunlight during the colder months while providing shaded areas in summer, reducing energy consumption.

Acoustic comfort is also a focal point in the design process, with careful attention to material choices and layout to minimize noise and disturbances. Common spaces are designed to be flexible and adaptable, promoting community engagement while providing users with opportunities for solitary reflection.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the Yoga House on a Cliff, explore the architectural plans, sections, and design elements that highlight its unique characteristics. Detailed insights into the architectural ideas and configurations present in this project offer a deeper perspective on its functional and aesthetic qualities.
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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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