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Elevated Arches and Ceramic Shingles in a Sustainable Yoga Retreat

Authors:
Paul Van Der Voort, Norma Aracely Trujillo Vicencio, Gabriela Bojalil Rébora, Aleksander Cruz Silva
Elevated Arches and Ceramic Shingles in a Sustainable Yoga Retreat
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Laminated wood arches rise within a landscape of filtered wastewater gardens, creating a sustainable yoga retreat that blends architectural elegance with ecological responsibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Laminated wood arches create an expansive, airy feel in the yoga space.
02
A vertical garden utilizes filtered wastewater for irrigation, promoting sustainability.
03
The building is positioned to maximize views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Cross-ventilation openings enhance airflow and comfort throughout the structure.
05
Sanitary facilities are strategically placed below the yoga room for privacy.

The Valle de Mozes - Yoga House on a Cliff is a thoughtfully designed space located within a landscape with significant elevation changes. Serving as a retreat, it focuses on wellness activities such as yoga and meditation. The overall design concept emphasizes a connection to nature, creating an environment that fosters mindfulness and tranquility while offering views of the surrounding landscape.

Design Concept and Spatial Organization

The design takes advantage of the site’s natural topography to create distinct functional areas. The yoga room sits at an elevation of 7.5 meters, resulting in a feeling of openness and light. Generous arches crafted from laminated wood and reinforced with steel profiles create a sense of height and airiness. This structural choice not only supports the building but also promotes a calming atmosphere, suitable for relaxation and reflection.

Sustainable Features and Water Management

Sustainability is a key focus of the design. One of the standout features is the vertical garden that uses filtered wastewater for irrigation, highlighting a commitment to ecological responsibility. The bathrooms are cleverly positioned below the yoga space. This allows for effective water retention and filtration, further supporting the integration of nature and architecture.

Integration of Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

The building encourages a strong connection between indoor and outdoor areas. Stairs and gardens provide pathways that filter water while also improving access. This flow creates an immersive experience, allowing users to fully engage with their surroundings. The design invites an appreciation of the natural world, adding to the overall sense of peace and calm.

Materials and Aesthetic Considerations

Materials have been chosen to reflect the natural character of the site. The use of ceramic shingles along with solar cells for the ventilated facade demonstrates an emphasis on energy efficiency. This choice not only enhances the building's environmental performance but also contributes to its visual harmony with the landscape, presenting a unified architectural expression.

A notable design detail includes the elegant arches that rise toward the sky, echoing the forms of the cliffside. This aspect emphasizes the building's specific location in the landscape and showcases its careful integration into the environment.

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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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