Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Cantilevered Glass Structure Embracing Nature in Mountainous Landscape

Authors:
Giuseppe Vultaggio, Weiwei Mao
Cantilevered Glass Structure Embracing Nature in Mountainous Landscape
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
A cantilevered glass structure harmoniously extends above a mountainous landscape, utilizing natural wood and stone while incorporating interstitial spaces to enhance the experience of yoga and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered platforms create open spaces that elevate the structure above the ground.
02
Engawa spaces invite interaction with the natural environment, merging indoor and outdoor experience.
03
A central glass yoga area provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Natural wood and stone materials enhance sustainability and environmental integration.
05
Landscaping features include zen gardens and meditative points to promote mindfulness.

The Yoga House is a unique design positioned in a mountainous area, emphasizing a connection with nature. Its structure consists of two platforms that hover above the ground, creating a space intended for yoga and meditation. The project encourages users to interact with the forest environment, promoting a sense of calm and mindfulness. The design concept focuses on harmonizing the building with its setting while providing functional spaces for its intended activities.

Architectural Concept

The building's layout showcases a deliberate arrangement of spaces, with an emphasis on how energy flows within the structure. A main yoga area is located at the center, crafted within a glass-enclosed space that allows for abundant natural light. Surrounding this core are essential facilities, including changing rooms, showers, toilets, a kitchenette, and storage. This thoughtful organization ensures that all necessary elements are accessible while keeping the design coherent and focused on its purpose.

Engawa and Transitional Spaces

A distinctive aspect of the Yoga House is the use of interstitial spaces, known as "Engawa." These areas bridge the indoor and outdoor environments, inviting users to experience the beauty of the surrounding landscape. By incorporating these transitional spaces, the design blurs the boundary between the built form and its natural setting. This approach fosters a deeper connection for users during their yoga and meditation, allowing them to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

Landscape Integration

The landscaping surrounding the Yoga House enhances its overall design and user experience. Features such as the Komorebi zen garden, raised zen garden, sculpture garden, and meditation point are thoughtfully arranged to promote relaxation and reflection. These elements create a tranquil atmosphere that aligns with the building's purpose, allowing participants to fully engage with their environment and cultivate mindfulness.

Materiality and Sustainability

The architectural plans illustrate a focus on sustainability, incorporating natural materials like wood and stones. These choices enhance the building’s visual appeal while also supporting its environmental performance. The design reflects a consideration for the ecological context, fostering a responsible relationship with the landscape.

Sculptures positioned at the center of the upper platform provide shade and serve a functional role by supporting solar panels. This integration of artwork not only enriches the space but also aligns with sustainable practices, reinforcing the project's commitment to environmental awareness.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in