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Cork Insulation and Rainwater Collection in a Yoga Retreat on a Cliff

Authors:
Michał Bylica, Sławomir Szczotka
Cork Insulation and Rainwater Collection in a Yoga Retreat on a Cliff
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Automated covering panels mimic lung functions and cork insulation enhances thermal performance in a yoga retreat perched on a cliff, offering a serene space for meditation and practice.
5 key facts about this project
01
Automated covering panels in the yoga room mimic lung functions to enhance user experience.
02
Cork insulation is utilized for effective thermal performance while promoting sustainability.
03
The building's elevation is inspired by heart rate patterns, reflecting the principles of breathing.
04
Rainwater collection systems support irrigation, reducing environmental impact.
05
Strategically located on a cliff, the retreat offers panoramic views that complement meditation practices.

The yoga house in Vale de Moses offers a space designed for meditation and calm. It sits on a cliff, providing views of the surrounding landscape. The design emphasizes the principles of yoga, focusing on breathing and tranquility. This architectural endeavor aims to create a peaceful retreat for practitioners.

Design Concept and Form

The layout includes yoga rooms, gardens, locker facilities, and areas for communication. Each space is thoughtfully arranged to create a natural flow, reflecting the balance found in yoga. Open and enclosed areas work together, allowing users to transition from personal reflection to engagement with nature.

Rhythmic Elevation and Structural Elements

The elevation of the building draws inspiration from patterns found in heart rates and breathing. These elements shape an architecture that promotes serenity. Structural features such as axes and barrel vaults reinforce this rhythmic quality, making the design a visual reminder of the calming aspects of yoga practice.

Sustainability and Material Integration

Sustainable design principles are central to the project. Solar panels support the building’s energy needs, while rainwater collection systems are utilized for irrigation. Reinforced concrete walls offer durability, and cork insulation improves thermal comfort. These choices highlight an awareness of ecological responsibility and efficient use of resources.

Functional Adaptability and Experience

The yoga room includes automatic covering panels that mimic the function of human lungs, allowing the space to adapt as needed. This feature creates a versatile environment, suitable for either quiet meditation or active yoga sessions. The design encourages deep engagement with both the practice and the natural world, emphasizing a connection between the inside and outside.

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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