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Charred Wooden Cladding Enhances Cliffside Wellness Retreat With Expansive Views

Authors:
Amedeo Aiello, Tommaso Vacchi
Charred Wooden Cladding Enhances Cliffside Wellness Retreat With Expansive Views

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden cladding and expansive glass panels, this yoga house harmonizes with its cliffside location to create a serene retreat designed for mindfulness and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles create a distinctive exterior that promotes durability and fire resistance.
02
The use of cross-laminated timber panels provides both structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.
03
An expansive glass facade offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding cliffside and forest.
04
The bent A-frame design enhances natural ventilation and promotes energy efficiency.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into the structure, supporting sustainability efforts.
The architectural design project under review is a yoga house located in Vale de Moises, a serene and naturally rich region characterized by rolling hills and dense woodlands. This project integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings, highlighting the importance of both ecological sensitivity and contemporary design practices. It aims to offer a tranquil space conducive to yoga, meditation, and community gathering, thereby representing a thoughtful response to the growing demand for wellness-focused environments.

In conceptualizing the design, the architects set out to create a structure that fosters a deep connection between the occupants and the surrounding landscape. This intention is reflected in the strategic orientation of the building, which maximizes stunning panoramic views while allowing natural light to flood into the interior spaces. The layout of the house encourages occupants to experience the calming influences of nature, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking solace from the busyness of everyday life.

The project features a modular design that promotes functional flexibility. Key areas within the yoga house include a spacious yoga room at its core, designed to accommodate group classes and personal practice. The room’s large glass windows serve not only as a visual connection to the outside but also as a source of natural light, reinforcing the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. This seamless blending of environments encourages mindfulness and enhances the overall experience of practicing yoga.

Living spaces within the project are thoughtfully arranged to facilitate interaction among guests while also providing areas for individual contemplation. The kitchen and communal areas are designed with open layouts that invite collaboration and social engagement. These communal spaces form an integral part of the retreat experience, contributing to a supportive environment where participants can share ideas and foster connections.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetic and functional performance of the yoga house. The primary structure utilizes reinforced concrete, chosen for its durability and ability to provide stability on the cliffside site. Significant attention has been given to the choice of materials, which also includes glass, steel, and wood. These materials not only underscore the architectural integrity of the design but also reflect a commitment to sustainability. The incorporation of natural insulation components further enhances the energy efficiency of the building, aligning with modern ecological standards.

Unique aspects of the project include its commitment to sustainability and its innovative approach to integrating the built environment with nature. The architecture is designed to minimize its ecological footprint, employing techniques such as rainwater harvesting and natural ventilation. The orientation and massing of the building consider the local climate, allowing for optimal passive heating and cooling without relying excessively on mechanical systems.

The yoga house also exemplifies a balance between horizontal and vertical lines, responding to the topography and surrounding vegetation. This careful design consideration results in a harmonious visual dialogue between the building and its natural setting. The use of native landscaping complements the architecture, further enhancing the integration of the project with its environment.

Overall, the Vale de Moises yoga house represents a significant contribution to the growing field of wellness architecture. It encapsulates the essence of a retreat focused on health and mindfulness, offering both functional spaces for practice and serene environments for relaxation. As you explore the various aspects of this architectural project, including its architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, you will gain deeper insights into the innovative ideas that shaped this unique space. This project serves as a compelling example of how architecture can facilitate well-being, encouraging a thoughtful interaction between humans and their natural surroundings.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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