LOCATION

Denver, Colorado

YEAR

2021

STATUS

Unrealized

PROJECT TYPE

Commercial

SIZE

900 Square Feet

ARCHITECTURE TEAM

Justin Towart, Adam Wagoner

MEP Engineer

Ramirez, Johnson, and Associates (RJA) Engineering

Kula Yoga is an unrealized design in the RiNo neighborhood of Denver. Our client came to us with the mandate to design a space that could serve as a community hub (Kula means “Community, Clan, or Tribe”) and an environment of empowerment, inclusion, and warmth.

We proposed a design that wrapped a central space in warm white oak battens and flooring, acting as a “stage” for Yoga and other flex program uses such as music performances and fundraisers. Flanking this central space is a built-in yoga block and mat storage on one side and a small side lounge. These side spaces can be enlarged via the use of oversized floor-mounted sliding barn doors. Through the clear and simple use of wood to demarcate space, the central area acts as a safe, embracing space of refuge and connection meant to underscore the founder’s vision of bringing empowerment and confidence through Yoga.

On the ceiling radiant heating panels are interspersed between sound attenuating baffles and simple white cylindrical lights. A flexible indoor/outdoor patio condition allows the space to transition during warmer months to accommodate larger groups or to practice yoga in direct eastern morning light.