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

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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.

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