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Cliffside Sanctuary Embracing Local Stone and Glass Facades for Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Kevin Khoury, Viktor Holubiev
Cliffside Sanctuary Embracing Local Stone and Glass Facades for Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Perched on a cliff, a wellness retreat utilizes local stone and expansive glass facades to create an immersive connection with nature, promoting holistic practices in a serene environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with extensive terraces that enhance outdoor yoga practices.
02
Utilizes locally sourced stone to integrate with the cliffside landscape.
03
Features large glass panels for unobstructed views and natural light.
04
Incorporates adjustable louvres for passive temperature control.
05
Contains flexible interior spaces to accommodate diverse wellness activities.
The Yoga House on a Cliff is a contemporary architectural project located in Northern Portugal. Designed as a retreat space for yoga practitioners, the structure is strategically sited to leverage the scenic coastal landscape while providing a serene environment conducive to reflection and wellness. The project integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings, enhancing the user experience through deliberate choices in form, materials, and spatial organization.

The building embodies principles of sustainability and mindfulness, reflecting a dedication to harmonizing human activity with the environment. Its primary function is to facilitate yoga practices and workshops, but it also offers residential accommodations and communal spaces for group activities. This multifaceted approach reinforces the connection between physical well-being and community engagement.

Design Integration with Nature

A unique feature of the Yoga House is its architectural response to the site’s topography. The structure is anchored into the cliffside, allowing it to blend with the natural elevation rather than imposing on it. The use of locally sourced stone as a base material provides durability while maintaining a tactile relationship with the landscape.

The building's elevation includes extensive terraces and balconies, which are essential for outdoor practices and to maximize the vista experiences. Large glass panels are strategically placed to create a dialogue between the interior spaces and the breathtaking views of the coastline. This emphasizes the importance of natural light and invites the surrounding nature into the building.

Sustainability and Functional Design

The architectural design prioritizes sustainability through passive design strategies. The project features adaptable elements such as adjustable louvres and overhanging roofs, which enhance thermal management. These elements contribute to the interior climate control, reducing reliance on artificial heating or cooling systems.

Internally, the layout supports a variety of uses. The yoga studio is designed with flexibility in mind, accommodating different class sizes and configurations. Residential areas provide essential privacy while promoting comfort for retreat participants. Shared common areas are integrated to facilitate interaction, further fostering community spirit among users.

The Yoga House on a Cliff exemplifies a thoughtful adaptation of architecture to enhance user experience in a natural setting. To gain deeper insights into this project, explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that illustrate the underlying concepts. This approach offers a comprehensive understanding of the unique features and practical applications inherent in the Yoga House design.
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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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