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Elevated Yoga Retreat Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Integrated with Natural Surroundings

Authors:
Sergey Fedatsenka, Monika Romik
Elevated Yoga Retreat Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Integrated with Natural Surroundings

Project in-detail

Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels and elevated on stilts to blend seamlessly with the forest, the retreat offers an immersive space for yoga and wellness practices surrounded by nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced cross-laminated timber for enhanced sustainability.
02
Incorporates a network of wooden bridges for seamless navigation across varying elevations.
03
Features a roof garden that provides communal space while enhancing environmental integration.
04
Utilizes kinetic energy systems to harness movement during yoga sessions.
05
Includes expansive glass walls designed to maximize natural light and views of the forest.

The Discovery Yoga House is an architectural project designed to serve as a retreat space for yoga and wellness activities. Set on a steep, wooded hillside, the structure embodies a response to its natural surroundings, focusing on integration with the landscape through careful site planning and material selection. The building aims to create an environment conducive to relaxation and mindfulness, facilitating a deep connection to nature for its users.

The purpose of the project extends beyond mere shelter; it aims to foster community and personal reflection. The design includes various functional spaces dedicated to yoga practices, communal gatherings, and individual retreats. These spaces are interconnected, promoting a seamless flow that encourages engagement among users while allowing for solitary moments of contemplation.

Eco-Friendly Design Considerations

One of the standout features of the Discovery Yoga House is its commitment to sustainability. This project employs local materials such as massive oak wood, cross laminated timber, and stone, which not only resonate with the natural setting but also enhance the building's durability. The design includes elevated sections supported by stilts, minimizing site disturbance and allowing for effective drainage. Solar power systems and rainwater harvesting methods demonstrate a proactive approach to energy use, making the building more self-sufficient.

The incorporation of wooden bridges adds a unique aspect to the architectural design, connecting different levels of the facility while offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This connection encourages users to fully experience the environment throughout the building, enhancing their overall well-being.

Innovative Functional Spaces

Central to the project is the yoga shala, characterized by expansive glass walls that invite natural light and frame views of the forest. This integration of indoor and outdoor spaces fosters tranquility and supports mindfulness practices. Adjacent facilities, including a kitchenette and communal areas, facilitate nourishment and social interaction, further enriching the user experience.

The roof serves as a communal gathering space, offering a vantage point for sunrise and sunset viewing, enhancing the connection to nature. The carefully considered layout of the internal spaces promotes a natural flow between areas, ensuring that users can easily transition from communal activities to personal practice.

The Discovery Yoga House showcases a refined approach to architectural design, emphasizing sustainability, community, and personal reflection. For those interested in exploring the intricacies of this architectural project, it is recommended to review the architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain a deeper understanding of how these elements come together to create a functional and serene environment.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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