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Thermal Buffering with Brick and Wood in a Nature-Focused Meditation Space

Authors:
Maria Łomiak, Natalia Rajchel, Stanisław Dawidziuk
Thermal Buffering with Brick and Wood in a Nature-Focused Meditation Space
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Incorporating a wooden pergola and solid brick walls, the design harmonizes indoor and outdoor environments, promoting natural ventilation and creating an inviting space for yoga and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each level is dedicated to a specific function, with the ground floor focusing on utility while the upper floor provides a dedicated yoga practice area.
02
The design emphasizes natural ventilation through strategically placed openings that enhance airflow throughout the building.
03
Rainwater is collected via an integrated system that supports irrigation and washing needs.
04
Solid brick walls serve as thermal buffers, managing internal temperatures across seasonal fluctuations.
05
The wooden pergola creates an unobtrusive transition between indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing the connection with nature.

The Yoga House in Vale de Moses, Portugal, is designed as a space dedicated to yoga practice and meditation. It is thoughtfully positioned within a sloping plot, allowing it to connect naturally with the surrounding landscape. The building aims to create a peaceful environment where users can focus on their well-being while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Natural Integration

The design emphasizes the relationship between indoor spaces and the outdoors. A wooden pergola extends from the structure, creating a clear connection between inside and outside areas. This element invites visitors to appreciate the natural setting while enjoying their practice.

Functional Layout

The Yoga House has a well-organized layout that considers the needs of its users. The ground floor includes necessary storage and restroom facilities, which keeps the yoga practice area on the upper level clear and inviting. This arrangement helps maintain a calm atmosphere, ideal for meditation and yoga sessions.

Environmental Design

The project carefully addresses environmental factors to enhance comfort. Cross ventilation is achieved through strategically placed openings that allow fresh air to flow through the building. Double-hung windows and skylights further support this, providing natural light while reducing heat build-up, making the space more comfortable.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainable practices are an important aspect of the design. A rainwater collection system is integrated into the building, allowing it to capture and utilize rainwater for irrigation and washing. This system supports both environmental responsibility and the daily needs of the users.

The building features solid brick walls that help regulate temperature inside, keeping it comfortable throughout the year. Overall, the design fosters an atmosphere that encourages relaxation and focus, enhancing the experience for those who come to practice yoga.

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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?

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