Pilgrimage Yoga House
Kolkasrags, Latvia
Community Yoga House
category:
June 2023
date:
status:
Concept Design (Competition Entry)
The underlying focus of ‘Pilgrimage’ is to provide a vessel for a spiritual journey towards unity and harmony. A calm, simple space dedicated to achieving a state of freedom, enlightenment, and fulfilment. A location perfect for meditation, concentration, and contemplation, to channel the union of body, mind, emotion and energy. A setting to practice yoga and connect with nature’s surrounding beauty.
about:
Pilgrimage was a competition submission for a sustainable, eco-friendly yoga guest house in Kolkasrags, Latvia. The concept design explores themes around guest experience, connection to nature, and being part of the environment we surround, all whilst achieving the functional requirements required for a short stay to practice yoga.
Yoga is a meditative practice to unite our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual elements together to achieve our highest level of understanding and harmony. Harmony between our body and mind, between our self and nature, between our individual and universe.
Inspired by the expression of sacral architecture, the Yoga House formation presents a place of worship and meditation. The grand vertical central space instigates an openness towards the heavens and cosmos above, whilst the cluster of roof lights and main circular skylight enhance the spiritual relationship of the individual with the sun and the stars. Light cascading into the space changes with the movement of the sun and sky. At night the stars decorate the ceiling in all directions.
Outside the bold triangular form tapers up into the forest canopy, creating a respectful sense of linearity in uniform with the backdrop of the trees. Distinctive curved windows protruding from the thatched roof adds a playful twist to a functional dwelling component. The calming yet bold and joyful appearance stands proud, complementary to the nature which surrounds it.
Simple lightweight triangular frames create the main form constructed out of locally sourced timber, with the primary roof covering clad in a traditional Latvian thatch. Sustainable facilities are utilised internally with a plant room dedicated to providing sustainable means of heating, water harvesting and environmentally friendly waste disposal.
‘Pilgrimage’, in unity with the practice of yoga, is focused on providing the setting for a spiritual journey, aligning geometry with the cosmic to achieve an overwhelming experience of harmony.
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