Known for its wide beaches, rich biodiversity and vast green forest, Latvia is quickly gaining popularity as a tourist destination, especially for those looking for sustainable tourism destinations. And while tourism around the world is slowly recovering after the pandemic – with the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) recording a 4% increase in international travel – central eastern Europe is ahead of the curve, seeing tourism increase by 18% since 2020.

With sustainable travel and wellness tourism set to be some of the biggest tourism trends in coming years, Latvia seems set to welcome more visitors than ever looking to experience its lush and diverse landscape, and spend some time in nature.

For the Yoga House in the Bog competition, participants are asked to submit designs for a yoga house located in a Latvian bog which is surrounded by forest and is a few hundred meters from Baltic Sea Beach. The location is a one hour drive from Cape Kolka, a unique spot on the shores of Latvia where two seas clash. The entire region is the perfect place to experience the tranquil purity of nature and the local landscape.

The yoga house should allow guests the chance to experience and connect with nature during their stay. While they will need shelter and protection from the elements – high temperatures in summer and strong winds, rain and snow in the winter – the yoga house should make them feel a part of the environment, not separated from it.

For the Yoga House in the Bog competition, the jury panel will be looking for designs that interact harmoniously with the unique and sensitive environment surrounding it. It should be both an iconic design and a positive example of green building practices.

PRIZES

3 winning proposals, 3 special award recipients and 6 honourable mentions will be selected. Buildner (formerly Bee Breeders) will award a total of 10,000 € in prize money to competition winners as follows:

1st Prize – 4,000 €
2nd Prize – 2,500 €
3rd Prize – 1,000 €
+ 6 honourable mentions

Client’s Favourite Award – 1,000 €
Buildner Student Award – 1000 € + 50 € gift card
Buildner Sustainability Award – 500 €

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

Final Registration: FEBRUARY 9 – APRIL 26

Final registration deadline: APRIL 26, 2023
Closing date for submission: JUNE 7, 2023
Announcement of the winners: JULY 12, 2023