Architects from r-m studio—Marzena Radkiewicz-Metko and Przemo Metko were recognized in the international competition Yoga House in the Bog organized by the Buildner platform. Their design for a yoga house in Latvia was awarded Second Prize. The jury appreciated the simplicity, sensitivity to the environment and the amphitheater plan. Meet Closer to nature.
The competition challenge was to design a yoga house to be built near a Latvian peat bog, surrounded by forest, adjacent to the Baltic Sea. The location is an hour's drive from Cape Kolka. The regulations asked for the design of a small building that blends harmoniously with the unique landscape, becoming both an icon and a positive example of ecological building practices. The building was to provide shelter for users and make them feel part of the surrounding nature. The inclusion of a yoga park and walking paths was also an important element.
Evaluation of the submitted works was undertaken by an international jury consisting of: Xuanru Chen (ZJJZ Atelier), Olha Kleytman (SBM studio), Nicolas Lapierre (Atelier L'Abri), Marco Lavit (Atelier LAVIT), Anna Maria Orrù (Konstfack—University of Arts, Crafts and Design, Nordic Biomimicry), Judson Moore (Waechter Architecture), Carine Pimenta, Daniel Zamarbide and Galliane Zamarbide (BUREAU), Tom Schroeder (Patkau Architects), Yimeng Teng (Ro Rockett Design).
The Closer to nature project received the 2nd Prize
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award for architects from Poland!
Three prizes, special prizes and six honorable mentions were awarded in the competition. First Prize went to the SAT House project by a team of architects from Ukraine, consisting of: Diana Zibrova and Zakhar Zibrov. Second Prize went to the Closer to nature concept by Polish architects from the r—m studio: Marzena Radkiewicz-Metko and Przem Metko. Among the distinguished works, there was also a project by Weronika Plata—Austra's Shelter, which you will read about soon in a separate article.
A wooden house with a rectangular shape and a sloping roof was quite popular among the submitted proposals. However, this one was characterized by the most subtle and sensitive use of space and its relationship with the surrounding nature—without exaggerated design gestures. Rooms with different functions were laid out in a very simple way, creating a rhythm of the facade. The doors, which open on different layers, allow the space to change, affecting the sense of privacy versus community, interior and exterior," commented Closer to nature project jury member Xuanru Chen.
The proposal engages the entire design area, and the elegant amphilade plan remains open to the surroundings [...]. The expansive porches benefit the circulation and flow around the site. It is a simple and concise proposal with visuals that support the narrative," added Judson Moore.
The project has been praised for, among other things, its simplicity
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closer to latvian nature
The award-winning house has a simple form with a gabled roof and surrounding terraces. The main entrance was placed in the central area, containing a large table and a kitchenette. From here you can reach the private (bedroom) area and the yoga room/common living room. Guests who only use the yoga room have direct open access to it, and can also use the showers and toilets. Thanks to this layout, the space of overnight guests in the facility is not disturbed.
yoga house, projection
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Along the entire house, the architects ran a glass corridor that connects all the functions of the building. The layout of the house is open, but the occasional closing of individual zones allows for privacy and separation when necessary. Terraces provide proximity to the outdoors, as well as additional space for communication between zones.
in the rhythm of the sun
The building is situated in relation to the sun so that each room has access to light throughout the day. This alludes to the natural biological rhythm of the day, when at sunrise the sun wakes up guests and accompanies them throughout the day, the architects explain.
Natural ventilation is fostered by opening glazing, while promoting contact with the local landscape. The proximity to nature, the simple form and consistency of materials contribute to a sense of harmony.
The yoga room is a space full of light
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yoga room
Theyoga room is a space full of light. Here, sliding windows have also been used. The room has a large rack for yoga mats, as well as hammocks and pillows that can be used when the space is transformed into a living room. Curtains allow the light to be restricted if needed.
None of the spaces are permanently separated and form enclosed rooms. Sliding walls with entrances to the rooms give the ability to open and close as needed. We kept service rooms to a minimum," the designers add.
prefabrication and modularity
The entire building is made of wood construction with prefabricated wood walls and natural finishes.
The materials used, which age naturally over time, blend perfectly with the nature around, and the house blends in with its surroundings. The modularity of the structure, which relies on the use of the same repetitive elements, further simplifies the building, the authors argue.
To interfere as little as possible with the surroundings, the building's foundation is the only place where the structure meets the terrain. The gabled roof and drainage to a reservoir under the house allow rainwater to be collected and reused.
The building is located on the edge of the yoga park
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yoga park
One of the requirements of the competition was also the design of the surrounding area. Architects from Poland proposed a yoga park, taking advantage of the potential of the beautiful landscape. The main tract is formed by a wooden path, running between trees, above ground around the entire site. The park includes areas for outdoor activities, meditation, yoga among the trees, educational points with nature information and birdhouses. The paths promote close contact with nature—listening to birdsong, observing vegetation and contact with water.
