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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
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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.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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