Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Elevated Yoga Retreat with Panoramic Glass and Sustainable Cork Cladding

Author:
Rodrigo Seara
Elevated Yoga Retreat with Panoramic Glass and Sustainable Cork Cladding

Project in-detail

Perched on a cliff, the retreat utilizes panoramic glass and cork cladding to create an immersive experience with nature, serving as a tranquil space for yoga and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The retreat is elevated on slender pillars to minimize environmental impact and maximize cliffside views.
02
Extensive use of cork cladding enhances acoustic comfort and thermal insulation, reflecting sustainability.
03
Panoramic glass walls create an uninterrupted connection to the surrounding forest, inviting natural light.
04
A flexible interior layout accommodates various wellness activities, fostering a sense of community and adaptability.
05
Solar panels and rainwater collection systems contribute to the retreat's self-sufficient and eco-friendly design.
The project is a yoga house designed to seamlessly integrate with its natural surroundings on a cliff, creating a tranquil space focused on wellness and introspection. This architectural endeavor represents a thoughtful fusion of nature and human experience, prioritizing design that fosters a connection with the environment. Its primary function is to serve as a retreat for yoga practice and meditation, allowing users to engage deeply with both the physical and mental aspects of wellness.

The design showcases a serene aesthetic, where the use of natural materials plays a pivotal role. Wood and cork form the core materials for the structure, selected for their sustainability and ability to evoke warmth. These elements are complemented by MDF sandwich panels that enhance insulation and energy efficiency, creating a comfortable indoor climate. Extensive use of glass ensures that the interior spaces maintain an unobstructed visual connection to the surrounding landscape, allowing sunlight to flood in while framing views of the trees and sky.

One of the project's most important aspects is its elevation on slender pillars, which not only safeguards the structure from potential environmental challenges like water runoff but also enhances the users' experience of the cliffside location. This elevation positions the yoga house strategically to capture panoramic vistas, making nature an integral part of the architectural experience. Moreover, the elevated design promotes natural ventilation, allowing breezes to flow freely, thereby reducing the need for mechanical climate control and reinforcing the project's sustainability ethos.

The interior layout is thoughtfully arranged to accommodate a variety of activities associated with wellness practices. Dedicated spaces for yoga sessions are designed to be open and flexible, allowing for diverse activities and fostering a communal atmosphere. Adjacent to the yoga areas are essential amenities such as locker rooms and a kitchenette, all crafted to support the overall functionality of the space. The design embraces adaptability, encouraging a range of uses that can meet the needs of its users as they focus on self-care and personal growth.

A unique design approach in this project is the incorporation of sustainable technologies. The integration of rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels contributes to a self-sufficient environment, underlining a commitment to the principles of ecological responsibility. By utilizing local materials and reducing reliance on external resources, the yoga house embodies a philosophy that aligns with the environmental context of its location.

The overall aesthetic and functional qualities of the project aim to enhance the user experience by creating spaces that are not only visually pleasing but also conducive to relaxation and contemplation. The enduring connection between the indoor environment and the surrounding wild landscapes fosters a sense of peace, making it an ideal setting for yoga and reflection.

To explore this architectural project in greater detail, including architectural plans, sections, and innovative design ideas, individuals interested in understanding the intricacies of the project are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation. Engaging with these elements will provide valuable insights into the thoughtful design principles that characterize this yoga house, celebrating the interplay between architecture and nature.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy