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Timber and Cork Structure Harmonizing with Natural Light and Rainwater Management

Author:
Santiago Barbieri
Timber and Cork Structure Harmonizing with Natural Light and Rainwater Management

Project in-detail

A broken triangular structure composed of timber and cork harnesses natural light and rainwater while providing a tranquil environment for yoga practice.
5 key facts about this project
01
A triangular profile allows for optimal solar energy capture.
02
Natural materials include locally sourced timber and cork.
03
Windows facilitate secondary light while minimizing heat gain.
04
Rainwater harvesting system promotes resource efficiency.
05
Cross ventilation design enhances air circulation throughout the space.

The Yoga Shala is designed as a tranquil space for yoga practice, set within a natural landscape that complements its purpose. The structure showcases a unique triangular shape that serves both functional and visual roles. This design reflects themes of stability and energy flow, connecting the building to its environment in a meaningful way.

Geometric Form and Energy Efficiency

The architectural concept centers on the triangle, a form recognized for its strength. The building features a broken triangular profile that steepens toward the sun, designed to capture as much solar energy as possible. This configuration enhances energy efficiency by allowing for optimal placement of solar panels, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

Light and Ventilation Strategies

A careful arrangement of openings allows natural light to fill the interior while maintaining a balance with heat gain. The windows are thoughtfully placed to bring in soft sunlight, especially during warmer months, without overheating the space. Cross ventilation is achieved through windows positioned in opposing directions, ensuring that fresh air circulates throughout, which is important for occupant comfort.

Sustainable Water Management

The design incorporates an effective water management system, using the roof slopes to collect rainwater. This water is filtered and stored for reuse, showcasing a dedicated approach to resource conservation. The ability to manage rainfall in this way aligns with sustainable practices that help reduce the building’s environmental impact.

Materiality and Local Context

Local wood is used throughout the Yoga Shala, including timber beams and cork panels. This material choice reflects a commitment to sustainability and a connection to the local area. The use of vernacular construction methods allows the structure to harmonize with its surroundings and promotes a sense of place.

Light filters through the angled ceiling, illuminating the interior and reinforcing the space’s relationship with nature and the calming practice of yoga.

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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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