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Elevated Stone Foundations with Cork Interiors in a Nature-Integrated Wellness Space

Authors:
Beñat Arejula, Ion Vianez, Unai Arejula
Elevated Stone Foundations with Cork Interiors in a Nature-Integrated Wellness Space

Project in-detail

Elevated stone foundations support a wellness space characterized by its cork interiors and integration with the surrounding gardens, creating a serene environment for yoga and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated stone foundation enhances natural ventilation.
02
Cork interiors provide sound insulation and warmth.
03
Designed with multiple independent volumes for diverse functions.
04
Surrounding gardens create seamless transitions with nature.
05
Yoga space features large openings for optimal natural light.

The Yoga Refuge is located in the peaceful surroundings of the Valley of Moses, designed to support yoga practice and meditation. The project features a layout that reflects a close relationship with nature, using a fragmented volume approach. This strategy enhances the experience for users while blending the building into the landscape. With a focus on wellness, the design promotes interaction between the interior spaces and their natural context.

Climate Considerations

The design prioritizes the local climate, influencing how the building fits into its environment. Each of the four volumes is carefully positioned to provide effective sun protection and comfortable temperatures. Surrounding the structure, small gardens refresh the indoor atmosphere and create transitions between the building and its surroundings. These gardens not only enhance the setting but also encourage visitors to engage with nature.

Spatial Arrangement and User Experience

The layout of the Yoga Refuge includes distinct areas for yoga practice, relaxation, and bathing, allowing for smooth movement through the building. This arrangement creates a sensory experience where users are invited to see the path leading to the building as part of their meditative journey. The design emphasizes movement, guiding individuals to feel connected to the space as they move through it.

Materials and Sustainability

Sustainability is an important aspect of the Yoga Refuge, highlighted through the choice of materials. Local wood and natural stone are used in the construction, helping the building connect with its environment while reducing its ecological footprint. The foundation is made from elevated cut stone, which allows for good ventilation. In addition, systems for renewable energy and water management emphasize the commitment to environmental responsibility.

Environmental Integration

The Yoga Refuge establishes a strong connection with its natural surroundings. Large openings invite nature inside, creating a direct dialogue between the interior and the outdoor environment. This design fosters calm and focus, essential for yoga and meditation. The arrangement provides views of the valley, ensuring that the landscape is always present in the experience within the building.

In the central yoga room, natural light streams through large windows, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The gentle sounds of nature enhance the calming experience, making every practice feel like a part of the larger environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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