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Barrel Vault Design With Adobe Bricks and Nature-Inspired Elements for a Yoga Retreat

Authors:
Mariana Magalhães costa, Patricia Tinoco
Barrel Vault Design With Adobe Bricks and Nature-Inspired Elements for a Yoga Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with barrel vaults and adobe bricks, this yoga retreat seamlessly integrates sustainable design with natural landscapes to create a space for wellness and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using adobe bricks, the building enhances thermal performance and energy efficiency.
02
The barrel vault roof design promotes natural ventilation while creating a distinctive aesthetic.
03
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated to support irrigation and reduce water consumption.
04
Local materials are utilized throughout to minimize environmental impact and ensure regional relevance.
05
The layout includes communal gathering spaces, fostering community interaction and engagement.
The Raízes Yoga House project is situated in the picturesque landscape of the Portuguese mountains, designed as a multifunctional space dedicated to wellness and yoga education. This architectural endeavor integrates the principles of sustainability, local material usage, and holistic design, essentially creating a retreat that emphasizes connection to nature and community engagement.

The building's layout encompasses vital areas for yoga practice, learning, and social interaction, ensuring that the facility serves diverse activities conducive to physical and mental health. This project reflects a commitment to ecological awareness while fostering an environment conducive to meditation and education, positioning it as a relevant facility in contemporary architecture focused on wellness.

Innovative Roof Design and Biomimicry

A distinguishing feature of the Raízes Yoga House is its unique roof design, characterized by barrel vaults. This architectural choice not only provides a distinct visual identity but also enhances the building's structural performance by maximizing natural light and ventilation. The design approach draws inspiration from biomimicry, emulating the forms and functions found in nature. The barrel vaults are aligned to optimize airflow, reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems and thereby promoting energy efficiency.

Sustainability as a Fundamental Design Principle

The project incorporates several sustainable strategies that underscore its ecological consciousness. Notable features include rainwater harvesting systems designed to collect and store water for irrigation, as well as the integration of solar panels that fulfill energy needs. The choice of materials plays a crucial role in this sustainability narrative; adobe bricks, wood, and natural fibers form the primary construction elements, all sourced locally to minimize transportation emissions and ensure compatibility with the surrounding environment.

Overall, the Raízes Yoga House serves as a model for sustainable architecture, combining functional spaces with innovative design strategies. To gain deeper insights into this project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, an exploration of the project presentation is encouraged. This will provide a thorough understanding of the architectural ideas and implementation details that define the Raízes Yoga House initiative.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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