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Catalan Vaults and Sustainable Brick Crafting for Mindful Retreat Spaces

Authors:
Shital Chaudhari, Vaibhavi Agrawal, Siddhant Kochar
Catalan Vaults and Sustainable Brick Crafting for Mindful Retreat Spaces
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Utilizing Catalan vaults and locally sourced brick tiles, the design integrates natural surroundings to create a mindful retreat for yoga practice.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates traditional Catalan vaults for structural efficiency.
02
Utilizes locally sourced brick tiles to minimize environmental impact.
03
Features large openings for natural light and landscape views.
04
Incorporates phytoremediation systems for sustainable water management.
05
Connects indoor and outdoor spaces through extensive wooden decking.

The Yoga House is located in the peaceful landscape of Vale de Moses, designed to embody the principles of Yogaasana. It serves as both a retreat and a practice space, blending the building with its natural surroundings. Inspired by ancient Sanskrit philosophy, the design highlights stillness, joy, and a connection to something greater.

Spatial Organization

The interior layout features a linear circulation pattern that promotes easy movement between various spaces. This design encourages users to engage with the tranquil outdoor environment. Wooden decks act as transitions, linking indoor and outdoor areas and enhancing the feeling of continuity with nature.

Architectural Features

A key element of the Yoga House is the use of Catalan vaults. This traditional construction method supports structural loads while providing a spacious interior. The vaults add visual interest and enhance the functionality of the spaces below. Large openings and curtain walls allow ample natural light, creating changing patterns and shadows throughout the day.

Material Choices

The materials chosen for the Yoga House are carefully selected to fit the local context. Locally available brick tiles are used for flooring, emphasizing sustainability and regional craftsmanship. Wood is also widely used in the decks and structural components, adding warmth to the overall design. These material choices support eco-friendly practices and contribute to a rich sensory experience.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is an important aspect of the design. Phytoremediation is employed for grey water treatment, using biofiltered garden beds to handle water use responsibly. This system aligns with the commitment to environmental harmony, reducing impact while enhancing the landscape. Solar photovoltaic systems are included to promote energy efficiency, ensuring the building’s operations are self-sufficient.

The architectural design features catenary openings that frame views of the surrounding landscape. This invites the beauty of the valley into the experience of the space, reinforcing the connection between nature and the practice of mindfulness.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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