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Balancing Reflection in a Meditation Cavity with Wood and Soil Cladding

Authors:
David Fitoussi, Annabelle Rougemont
Balancing Reflection in a Meditation Cavity with Wood and Soil Cladding
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With a design that incorporates a meditation cavity and walls of wood and soil cladding, the space fosters a deep connection between visitors and the surrounding landscape while serving as a dedicated area for yoga practice.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design includes a meditation cavity that enhances user introspection.
02
The main wall is constructed using wood and soil cladding for natural integration.
03
Rainwater is collected and utilized within the watercourse alongside the walkway.
04
The alignment of the main wall corresponds with the spring equinox sunset.
05
A low wall provides resting areas while maintaining the journey's connection to nature.

The design focuses on creating a dedicated space for yoga practice based on the principles of Hatha Yoga, which emphasize finding balance and recognizing the relationship between opposites, represented by the sun and the moon. Set against a natural backdrop, the design aims to provide an environment that encourages mindfulness and self-reflection. The integration of the structure with its surroundings is key, fostering a connection between the indoor space and the landscape.

Pathway Experience

A central walkway serves as the main approach from the mountain to the Yoga House. This pathway invites users to engage with the environment, allowing them to descend gradually through a landscape of soil and greenery. The walkway is bordered by a low wall that separates the natural elements from the constructed spaces. This wall offers a place to pause, where visitors can lean against or sit, enhancing their reflective journey.

Dedicated Spaces

Next to the pathway is a restoration area that provides calming views of the landscape. It serves as a place for visitors to recharge before their practice. Close to this area, there is a meditation cavity that creates a quiet space for introspection before yoga sessions. The design of this cavity ensures that users feel a sense of privacy and calm, enhancing their overall experience.

Water Integration

A notable feature is the watercourse running alongside the walkway, which collects rainwater from the roof slopes. This water element not only adds to the visual appeal but also plays an important role in managing wastewater from the Yoga House, returning it to the earth. The presence of water symbolizes the flow of energy found in yoga, enriching visitors' experiences as they engage with the space.

Architectural Dialogue

The Yoga House is envisioned as a structure that expresses balance. The primary wall, made from wood and soil cladding, gives the impression of being separate from the mountain while still connecting with its natural surroundings. The floor platforms extend from the landform, deepening the bond between the structure and the earth. Supporting the roof is a wooden frame that links architecture to nature. The design includes an alignment of the main wall with the sunset curve on the day of the spring equinox, highlighting the relationship between the built environment and natural patterns.

As visitors move through the space, they encounter elements that encourage reflection and mindfulness. The interplay of light, space, and water invites each individual to connect with themselves and the environment.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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