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Cork Floors and Azulejos Tiles in a Sustainable Yoga Retreat

Authors:
Laura Noè, Arianna Maurizia Piccoli, Ezgi Umut Türkoğlu, Taylan Can Tekeli
Cork Floors and Azulejos Tiles in a Sustainable Yoga Retreat
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Using cork flooring and Azulejos tiles, the design integrates sustainable elements with a focus on solar orientation, creating serene sleeping pods at a yoga retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork flooring enhances warmth and comfort in each pod.
02
Azulejos tiles connect the design to local cultural heritage.
03
The staircase symbolizes the journey to higher consciousness.
04
Pods are oriented to optimize views of sunrise and sunset.
05
The design incorporates natural light through a micro-perforated facade.

Prana Home is located at the Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat, where it presents a thoughtful response to the need for sustainable living. The sleeping pods are designed to reflect the principles of yoga, integrating them into a space that encourages calmness and connection to nature. The layout focuses on solar orientation, allowing users to appreciate the beauty of sunrise and sunset while engaging with the quiet surroundings.

Design Concept

The sleeping pods are carefully oriented along the path of the sun. This strategic alignment provides expansive views of both dawn and dusk. These moments are significant for yoga practitioners, as they embody daily rituals that promote mindfulness. An upstairs terrace further enhances this experience, giving residents an area to practice asanas during these times.



Architectural Expression

A noticeable feature of the design is the staircase that extends from the ground to the upper terrace. This staircase is more than a means of access; it symbolizes a journey towards personal growth and higher awareness, echoing the concept of the Sahasrara, or crown chakra. Inspired by Le Corbusier, the staircase invites exploration, offering various perspectives as one ascends, encouraging interaction with the structure and the environment.



Material Choices

Material selection in the project emphasizes sustainability and reflects local craftsmanship. Cork is used for the flooring, providing warmth and comfort. Traditional ceramic tiles and Azulejos contribute to the cultural identity of the space, while a micro-perforated metal facade balances privacy with the need for natural light. Together, these materials create an environment that feels both inviting and connected to nature.



Design Details

The changing room on the second floor serves as a personal retreat where users can look up at the stars at night. It represents a careful blend of function and aesthetics throughout the project. This attention to detail results in spaces that are practical yet tranquil, embodying the essence of yoga and the principles of living harmoniously with nature.

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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.

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