- Project Name: Rammed Earth Yoga Studio
- Location: Somerset, United Kingdom
- Architects: Invisible Studio Architects
- Area: 110m²
- Year: 2022
A space that merges one with its purpose, the Rammed Earth Yoga Studio by Invisible Studio creates the perfect ambient and spiritual atmosphere for a yoga class. With the use of natural materials, the studio has blended it right into the context.
The design also sees to it that the privacy of the practice remains, with visual access through the ceiling to the view of the mesmerizing clouds. Thus, the design ties together elements of a yoga studio with the context to create this Rammed Earth Yoga Studio.
Traditionally Unconditional
A part of The Newt in Somerset hotel, this Rammed Earth Yoga Studio becomes a vision that merges with its landscape. Originally thought of as a part of the Byzantium on the campus, this space expands into a cozy inn for the humble practice of yoga.
Opting for a traditional way of thinking, the architects at the Invisible Studio use elements of earth, wood, and stone. With the building being surrounded by nature, the Rammed Earth Yoga Studio is situated in an apt location with the Gym and Byzantium on both sides. It becomes a part of a campus of buildings that include Newt’s lakeside apiary and exhibition venue as well.
The structure of this famous building is such that it starts as a traditional sloped roof house and ends at the top with a curvature. Here the Invisible Studio has also replaced the classic pointed rooftop with flat glass that connects the interior space to the seamless and pleasant sky with its passing clouds. It is what the architects at Invincible Studio envisioned for the practitioners using the space.
The characteristic feature of the single roof opening can be related to the gym where the space is opening up to a vegetable garden. In both designs, this connection is the only place for an outdoor connection. The curvature of the roof on the other hand connects the Rammed Earth Yoga Studio to the Byzantium, designed to reference follies used in traditional English gardens. The structure also represents the focus one needs while doing Yoga.
Minimal, Subtle, and Ready for Yoga
The interior space of the Rammed Earth Yoga Studio designed by Invisible Studio features a simple functional area. It focuses on bringing in comfort with the aesthetics brought in by the textures that are played inside. The space is large enough for a crowd of 12-14 people keeping the functioning less crowded and apt for its purpose.
Built pantry space is given inside along with open storage space for the users. With the sole focus of the interior going into the opening on top, the Rammed Earth Yoga Studio is a welcoming and calm space with the least external distractions.
Built with Nature
The Rammed Earth Yoga Studio is mainly built using natural materials. Creating a warm space the interior design uses beech slats on the entire vertical surface giving it an immersive feel. Rammed stone is incorporated into the main structure. This is a local stone characterized by its unique red color. The interior also features copper elements on the walls that associate with that of the apiary.
The Rammed stone walls were a continuous experiment of different compositions of binding material and earth to get the right proportions for it to stay intact. The Material Science Lab of the University of Bath was the playground where they mixed in a little lime/GGBS/cement to give it strength.
Once the composition was fixed then the formwork was placed which was filled or poured with the mixture 4-6 times to get a portion of the walls. Creating ventilation for a cavity behind steel tubes is going inside as well.
A Unique Take on Design Approach: Invisible Studio Architects
A studio run by innovation, the Invisible Studio aims to be different from conventional practices. It is run by the Chartered Architect Dr. Piers Taylor who was also the inaugural studio master at the Architectural Association for the Design & Make program at Hooke Park.
The studio focuses on creation based on experimentation, research, and education. Designs at the Invisible Studio are created locally, in a variety of fields and scales. The studio was self-built by the firm and is located inside a working woodland that they manage. In addition to their practice, they have also pioneered several academic programs that push you to rethink the relationship between design and creation.
Conclusion
The Invisible Studios’ main aim is to push boundaries from material research through to wider environmental concerns. Their building techniques revolve around passive principles to aid in building the performance and character of the building.
The Rammed Earth Yoga Studio not only has made a design that is in sync with the landscape around but also uses it within to completely merge it. From the technique used to the selection of each element and material, the Invisible Studio presents a humble way of practicing the art of yoga.
Discover More
