Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cork Flooring and Slatted Panels Create a Tranquil Retreat for Meditation

Authors:
Letícia Costa, Lorena Cerqueira, Luiza Penna, Marcela Chagas
Cork Flooring and Slatted Panels Create a Tranquil Retreat for Meditation
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Drawing inspiration from the Bodhi tree myth, the design incorporates slatted panels and a reflecting pond to create a serene environment that supports yoga and meditation practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflecting pond enhances the immersive experience of nature within the meditation space.
02
Slatted panels provide filtered light while maintaining focus on internal reflection.
03
Timber structure minimizes landscape disruption and promotes natural drainage.
04
Zenith openings increase daylight exposure, creating a calming atmosphere.
05
Cork flooring adds warmth and comfort, connecting users to the natural environment.

The design is located in a quiet valley in central Portugal, where it enhances the practice of yoga and meditation. Its layout creates an environment that encourages people to reconnect with themselves. The overall concept merges nature and built form, guiding visitors through spaces that shift from hidden, contemplative areas to bright, open patios.

Spatial Arrangement and Flow

The space is arranged to lead visitors on a journey. It starts with a narrow, dark corridor that symbolizes introspection before opening up into a sunny patio that invites moments of reflection and tranquility. This flow mirrors the journey people take in yoga, moving from deep personal reflection to a sense of connection with the wider world.



Façade Openings and Light Integration

The design features carefully placed openings in its façade, allowing visitors to engage with the landscape outside. Each room offers unique views that enhance the connection with nature. In the yoga room, slatted panels let in filtered light while focusing attention inward. Natural light also enters through zenith openings and partial glass ceilings, creating a welcoming atmosphere that draws attention to the outdoor environment.



Material Choices and Ecological Considerations

Materials play an important role in the structure. Timber is used for main supports, cork for flooring, and glass to provide clear sightlines. These choices help the building blend into its environment, ensuring minimal impact on the landscape. The timber adds warmth and connects the space to the natural surroundings, while cork contributes to comfort beneathfoot.



The central patio becomes a key area for movement and interaction. It encourages gatherings and shared moments, while its open design fosters a feeling of togetherness. Visitors can experience light and shadow shifting throughout the day, enhancing a calm and reflective setting. The thoughtful arrangement of both structure and space allows for a deeper understanding of the relationship between people, nature, and inner peace.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 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
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 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
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy