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Breeze Blocks and Cut Stone Create a Sustainable Retreat Embracing Nature

Authors:
Madison Powell, Orette Osburne
Breeze Blocks and Cut Stone Create a Sustainable Retreat Embracing Nature

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced cut stone and treated wood, this sustainable retreat integrates breeze blocks for ventilation and offers sweeping views from its cliffside location, providing an ideal environment for yoga practice and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced cut stone and treated wood for ecological integration.
02
Incorporates breeze blocks for natural ventilation and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features expansive French windows to maximize natural light and views.
04
Includes a meditation garden designed to enhance tranquility and reflection.
05
Utilizes rainwater collection and grey water systems for sustainable resource management.
The Vale de Moses Yoga House is an architectural project designed to serve as a retreat for yoga practitioners, situated on a cliff that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The structure exemplifies a seamless integration with its natural environment, embodying principles of sustainability and harmony with nature. This project emphasizes a spiritual connection through its design, which prioritizes both communal and private spaces to cater to a diverse range of activities associated with yoga and wellness.

The architectural design features a carefully arranged layout consisting of public, semi-public, and private areas. The public zone incorporates the yoga studio and group gathering spaces to facilitate community engagement. Semi-public areas include a waiting space, kitchenette, and garden, fostering interaction while ensuring privacy. Private accommodations comprise individual lodgings and necessary amenities to support visitors seeking solitude and relaxation. This organization promotes an intuitive flow, allowing users to navigate the space with ease.

Unique Design Approaches

A defining feature of the Vale de Moses Yoga House is its concept inspired by the metaphor of a fallen tree, reflecting natural processes of creation and decay. This idea informs both the aesthetics and functionality of the building. The structure’s appearance and materials are reminiscent of a natural log, incorporating local cut stone and treated wood, thus enhancing its contextual relevance.

Attention to ventilation is also a notable aspect of the design, featuring breeze blocks that promote air circulation while enhancing the aesthetic quality of the exterior. The use of natural light is maximized through expansive windows, particularly French casement windows, which establish a visual connection between interior spaces and the landscape. These elements contribute to a sense of openness and tranquility, essential for a space dedicated to yoga practice.

Sustainability is a critical consideration in this project. The architecture includes systems for rainwater collection and grey water reuse, addressing ecological responsibility and resource management. The roofing features aluminum sheets for durability, while gravel ground cover in the courtyard garden supports drainage and encourages the growth of native plants. These sustainable practices are fundamental to the design, reinforcing a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Additional Considerations

The Vale de Moses Yoga House facilitates a hybrid approach to architecture, combining modern techniques with traditional materials. The architectural plans highlight the balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal. The overall design reflects an understanding of local context, culture, and ecological factors, setting it apart from typical retreat facilities. This project stands as a model for contemporary architectural trends focused on sustainability and mindful design.

For further exploration of the Vale de Moses Yoga House, consider reviewing the architectural plans and sections, as well as detailed architectural designs and ideas that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the project’s significance and its innovative approach to architecture.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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