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Cork Elements and Pine Structure Framing a Cliffside Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Ingy Naguib, Lamis Hani, Mannar Alaaeldin, Aya Walid
Cork Elements and Pine Structure Framing a Cliffside Wellness Retreat
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Constructed from locally sourced pine and cork, the design integrates into a cliffside landscape, providing a tranquil space dedicated to yoga and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced pine and cork for environmental sustainability.
02
Features an unroofed stone staircase surrounded by greenery for user privacy.
03
Includes 24 yoga mats positioned to optimize natural light and views of the sky.
04
Incorporates gray water recycling for irrigation and sustainable water use.
05
Provides outdoor yoga canopies that enhance connection with the natural landscape.

The Yoga House on a Cliff is a carefully designed space that harmonizes with the natural landscape. Located on a cliffside, it serves as a center for yoga and meditation, promoting comfort and relaxation. The overall design features two interconnected masses, providing an enhanced experience while connecting users with the outdoor environment.

Spatial Configuration

The layout consists of two main parts that connect and facilitate movement between indoor and outdoor areas. An unroofed stone staircase runs between these two sections, leading users to the yoga studios while providing a sense of privacy. This design integrates landscaping along the staircase, creating a more inviting atmosphere.

Natural Light and Atmosphere

Inside, the yoga space accommodates 24 mats, offering room for practice and reflection. Large windows and skylights are positioned to allow natural light to flood in, which creates a warm and uplifting environment. The focus on natural light contributes to a peaceful experience, enabling participants to take in the sky and feel part of the larger space around them.

Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials illustrates a commitment to sustainability and the use of local resources. Pine wood is widely used in the yoga studio, which gives off a warm feeling while being affordable. Cork is selected for the reception and mechanical areas, emphasizing environmentally friendly properties. Solar panels on the entrance roof play a key role in enhancing energy efficiency, reducing dependence on traditional energy sources.

Environmental Integration

A green roof covers the building, blending the structure with the surrounding landscape and supporting local plant life. The project also includes a gray water recycling system that repurposes water for irrigation, aligning with environmentally sustainable practices. Together, these elements ensure that the Yoga House serves its purpose effectively while being conscious of its environmental footprint.

Amidst these thoughtful features, the soothing sound of a nearby waterfall enriches the atmosphere. This sensory detail enhances the overall environment, inviting users to immerse themselves completely in their surroundings.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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