The international Yoga House in the Bog competition was full of successes for Polish designers. Also participating in the Buildner platform challenge was Weronika Plata, whose design for a Yoga House—The Austra's Shelter, inspired by Latvian culture and engaging the senses, received an honorable mention.
The competition's challenge was to design a yoga house to be built near a Latvian peat bog, surrounded by forest, adjacent to the Baltic Sea. The organizers expected designs for a small building that would blend in with the surroundings. An important element was also a proposal to arrange the adjacent land into a park.
We wrote about the detailed guidelines, the composition of the jury and the results in an article about the Closer to nature project by the r – m studio, which won Second Prize.
On the list of six awarded works was the proposal of Weronika Plata. Get acquainted with her proposal.
The house is inspired by the symbolism of Latvian culture
© Weronika Plata
inspired by latvian culture
In the picturesque scenery of the Latvian forest, where nature impresses with its diversity, in addition to extraordinary views, we can be moved by the palpable presence of an elusive spirituality. The entire region here can be a source of solace flowing from nature, which once served as the main inspiration for mythological images and folkloric ornaments. The project plot, therefore, undoubtedly has its own genius loci, which heightens the sense that it is a place rich in symbolism drawn from nature that harmoniously corresponds with yoga philosophy. One of the most powerful symbols in Latvian culture is the Austra Tree, representing the multidimensionality and continuous development of individuals and society. With a closer look at the practices of physical and spiritual renewal, we can see that diversity and social interaction are an integral part of the process of personal growth and inner healing. Equally important is being in the natural environment that influenced the daily lives of our ancestors. The Austra's tree embodies the world's wisdom and symbolizes the path of the sun, one of the many elements crucial to sustainability, both in architecture and for its inhabitants, says Veronica Plata.
The Austra's Shelter, first floor plan
© Weronika Plata
a house that improves well-being
The main goal of Weronika Plata's design was to create a space that allows one to strive for well-being. The author took into account the positive impact of nature on reducing stress levels and stimulating inner development. The Yoga House interacts with the surrounding nature by using natural, local materials, thus minimizing the cost of imports and the amount of carbon footprint left. Wide glazing and view openings that respond to the sun's repetitive cycle further enhance this connection.
Wood is the primary material used in the design
© Weronika Plata
The proximity to nature also contributes to a sense of inner harmony, and the building's program can be expanded to include additional functions within smaller accompanying facilities, such as saunas, baths, massages and a meditation garden with smaller pavilions. The architect suggests treating the premise as a wellness complex available to tourists.
The architect additionally designed a meditation cabin
© Weronika Plata
sliding system
The sense of relaxation increases when we believe that we can influence our surroundings and adapt the space to our needs, the designer argues.
functions of shades and green roof
© Weronika Plata
With this in mind, the facade of the House can be transformed with a sliding sunshade system—shutters, which not only meet the need for thermal comfort in the building, but also take into account the potential negative impact of light emissions on local flora and fauna. Shutters can mitigate the effects of light pollution while providing a sense of privacy. They also help prevent the building from overheating in summer, and in winter, wide glazing helps optimize the cost of artificial lighting.
The house sinks into the forest surroundings
© Weronika Plata
engaging the senses
When considering the relationship between home and nature, we realize that by engaging our senses, we can improve our quality of life and overall comfort. Through the senses of smell and touch, we can experience the texture of wood, the primary material used in the Yoga House. Through the sense of sight, we can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding forest bog, which visitors can enjoy even from inside the building. In contrast, the charm of the coniferous forest lies in its ability to create a harmonious connection between us and nature, awakening our senses to unlimited exploration. At first glance, each tree needle may appear identical, but upon closer inspection, its uniqueness is revealed. The diversity and imperfections in which nature abounds can provide a deep sense of security, while the repetitive patterns prevalent in modern cities can create a sense of unease, says the architect.
The rhythm of the facade was inspired by traditional embroidery
© Weronika Plata
To bring diversity to the project, the designer used coal-fired boards on the facade using the Shou Sugi Ban method. Through the process of charring, the wood undergoes a metamorphosis, acquiring new attributes—resistance to fire, destructive biological processes and insects, thus gaining longevity. The irregular finish given to the wood used on the facade evokes the impression of a structure seamlessly emerging from the forest landscape.
