Yoga Mandir, Australian Building Project, Yoga Space Interior, Architecture Images

Yoga Mandir in Australia

16 Jan 2024

Design: Craig Tan Architects

Location: Fyshwick, Australian Capital Territory

Photos: U-P

Yoga Mandir, Australia

Yoga Mandir is a collaboration with our Clients the Molonglo Group, within the greater Dairy Road development at Fyshwick, and is an exercise in design restraint to heighten an immersive experience.

Iyengar Yoga is an arm of Yoga as exercise that places emphasis on the precision and alignment of Yoga postures, and utilises props like ropes and timber equipment. Inspired by the attainment of Samyama, the integration of the body and mind, Yoga Mandir evokes a journey to renewal by activating the senses.

Working on a humble budget, the space consists of an entry space, office, and a main studio space.
In the teal-coloured corridor, a reclaimed yellow bench heralds the entry. The entry and studio thresholds feature reclaimed stringybark inlays, whilst a further smudge of screed to the entry ramp, embraces a sense of wabi-sabi.

Atmospheric light pervades the entry space, preparing one’s senses for the main studio. A dark fibre cement sheet dado wraps the cork-floored space, creating a space that almost feels external. The existing truss zone overhead is painted a recessive green grey colour, imbuing a personal scale to the space.

Storage and the door to the office are concealed into the dado cladding, focusing eyes on the reclaimed sculptural pendant light, Huon pine table and hardwood chairs curated by Ken Neale.

In counterpoint, the main studio space is ensconced in CD face plywood that integrates the existing pine trusses into a communal gathering space. Treating plywood akin to concrete, the studio evokes an air of almost being cast in plywood. Subtle indents imply a dado, which serves to integrate a wall mounted galvanized grille for the rope work, a plywood storage wall, existing windows, and delicate light niches next to the stage. Projections as meditational aids feature in Iyengar Yoga, and the plywood offers the ideal integrated backdrop.

Plywood, cork, canvas, and water based clear sealers, combined with reclaimed timbers and furniture provide an environmentally sustainable palate.

To create a dazzle-less lighting for students on the floor, bespoke canvas slings were designed for the lighting. Crumpled like glowing duffle bags, the canvas provides a soft glowing filter to the studio imbuing the lighting with a sense of tactility and materiality to integrate it into the studio space. The slings also double to reflect light up into the trusses over to reduce visual contrast.

Chamfered edges in plan on the storage wall, create a sensory correction that visually flattens the wall, dissolving its perceived weight and volume and helping to attune the senses of the user.

Accessed from a concealed door in the entry space, the office provides an intimacy ply dado clad space, under a painted ceiling zone. This space also provides for one-on-one tuition, and Zoom lessons.

Privacy can be moderated by integrated bespoke plywood sliding shutters.

Yoga Mandir activates the senses through a distillation of light and materiality, creating a space of tranquility and connectedness.