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Cross-Laminated Timber Retreat Integrated With Zen Garden and Water Feature

Authors:
Ingy Naguib, Lamis Hani, Mannar Alaaeldin, aya walid
Cross-Laminated Timber Retreat Integrated With Zen Garden and Water Feature

Project in-detail

Built with cross-laminated timber and complemented by a serene Zen garden, the structure harmoniously integrates with its cliffside location to provide a tranquil retreat for yoga practice.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural integrity.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and views.
04
Includes a recycling system for gray water to support the adjacent Zen garden.
05
Positioned strategically to maximize soundscapes from the nearby waterfall for a calming atmosphere.
The Yoga House on a Cliff is an architectural project designed to serve as a peaceful environment for yoga practitioners. Located on a cliffside, this structure integrates indoor and outdoor spaces to create an immersive experience that encourages mindfulness and meditation. The architectural design prioritizes sustainability, user comfort, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.

The project features two distinct structural masses that coalesce to form functional areas for both indoor and outdoor yoga practices. Each space is oriented to take full advantage of the site’s topographical features, allowing users to engage with nature while performing their activities. The layout incorporates flexibility to accommodate various yoga practices, enhancing the overall functionality of the space.

Sustainability is a core tenet of this project, with an emphasis on the use of eco-friendly materials. The choice of materials—including wood, cork, and Sketch Nanogard glass—reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility. The structure is equipped with solar panels for energy efficiency, alongside gray water systems designed for recycling water for irrigation and maintenance. These elements contribute to the building's low ecological impact, exemplifying contemporary approaches to sustainable architecture.

Unique Design Approaches

The Yoga House employs innovative design strategies that set it apart from typical yoga studios. The incorporation of natural light through strategically placed skylights enhances the ambiance, creating an inviting atmosphere that promotes relaxation. The indoor yoga studio is constructed from warm-toned pine wood, providing a tactile and visually appealing space for practice.

Additionally, the outdoor yoga area is intentionally positioned in proximity to a Zen Japanese-style garden, offering practitioners a tranquil setting enhanced by the sounds of a waterfall. This design choice seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor environments, fostering a holistic mindfulness experience that enhances the practice of yoga.

Furthermore, the project addresses accessibility through a ceremonial stone staircase, which not only serves as a functional element but also integrates beautifully into the landscape. This approach reinforces the user's connection to the environment, promoting a sense of calm and balance.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The interior spaces of the Yoga House are thoughtfully organized to maximize usability. A reception area, bathrooms, and showers are strategically placed to enhance convenience for users. The indoor yoga studio occupies an area of approximately 122 square meters, designed to accommodate 24 yoga mats arranged to optimize group dynamics and the flow of practice.

The architectural plans demonstrate how the project balances structural integrity with aesthetic appeal. The outdoor space allocates nine yoga mats, ensuring that practitioners can engage in their practice while enjoying picturesque views and the serenity of nature. With a focus on user experience, the design encourages a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor activities, reinforcing the philosophy of interconnectedness that lies at the heart of yoga practice.

For a comprehensive understanding of the Yoga House on a Cliff, the exploration of architectural designs, plans, and sections will offer valuable insights into the project’s innovative approach to wellness architecture. Interested readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the architectural ideas that shape this unique design and witness how it harmonizes with its environment.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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