Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Form a Meditative Community Hub in a Natural Setting

Authors:
Susana Sousa, David Dobarco Nuñez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Form a Meditative Community Hub in a Natural Setting
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing charred wooden shingles and concrete, the design harmonizes with its natural surroundings to create a multifunctional space dedicated to wellness and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an innovative bent A-frame design that enhances spatial efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates sustainable cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and thermal performance.
03
Features charred wooden shingles that not only provide weather resistance but also align with ecological design principles.
04
Integrates a rainwater collection system to ensure sustainable water management throughout the facility.
05
Promotes local biodiversity by incorporating native plant species in the surrounding landscape design.

The architectural project "Asana" exemplifies a thoughtful and harmonious integration of design principles with its natural environment. Located in a varied landscape, the structure promotes wellness and mindfulness through its spatial organization and material selections. It operates as a multifunctional space, serving as a yoga studio and community center, designed to accommodate various activities that align with its wellness-focused mission.

The layout includes an expansive yoga area that provides unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, fostering an environment conducive to relaxation and meditation. Additional utility spaces, such as restrooms and a kitchen, are seamlessly incorporated into the design to enhance user convenience while maintaining a cohesive architectural language.

Unique Design Approaches

Asana’s architectural design stands out due to its adaptability and context-sensitive planning. The building strategically employs a cantilevered structure that respects the site's topography, minimizing disruptions to the natural landscape. Large glass panels create transparency between the interior and exterior, allowing natural light to permeate the space while establishing a visual connection with its context. This design choice emphasizes the tranquility of the environment, promoting a sense of unity with nature.

Sustainability is a core principle of the project, with several features aimed at reducing environmental impact. Efficient water management systems, including a rainwater collection setup and greywater recycling, contribute to sustainable resource utilization. The choice of durable materials such as concrete and engineered wood enhances the project's longevity, while the implementation of metal for structural integrity ensures a modern aesthetic without compromising on functionality.

Integration with the landscape is further emphasized through the incorporation of native plant species around the building, which contributes to local biodiversity and minimizes maintenance needs. This conscious effort to enhance the natural surroundings sets Asana apart from typical architectural developments.

Functional Specifications

The structure is carefully designed to facilitate both solitary and communal activities. The yoga area can be easily reconfigured to allow for different class sizes and formats, showcasing the building’s ability to adapt to changing user needs. The welcome area serves as a central hub, fostering a sense of community among users while providing access to various amenities.

In summary, "Asana" represents a thoughtful fusion of sustainable architecture and wellness-oriented design. Its innovative features and functional adaptability make it a noteworthy example in contemporary architectural discourse. Readers interested in architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs are encouraged to explore the project presentation further for more detailed insights into the design's technical and aesthetic elements.

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