Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Gabion Walls and Natural Elements in a Tranquil Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Jesus Goncalves, Maria Gonzalez, Maria Gabriela Suarez, Cesar Barbaran
Gabion Walls and Natural Elements in a Tranquil Wellness Retreat
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with gabion walls and designed around the concept of chakras, the space functions as a wellness retreat that promotes self-discovery and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooted in the concept of chakras, the design promotes holistic wellness.
02
Gabion walls are constructed using locally sourced rock, integrating with the landscape.
03
A small orchard encourages users to cultivate their own produce on-site.
04
Natural light and ventilation are prioritized to enhance user experience.
05
The zen garden offers a dedicated space for meditation and reflection.

The Yoga House is designed to integrate with its natural surroundings while providing a space focused on wellness and self-discovery. Located in a tranquil environment, the design utilizes the concept of chakras—energy centers in the body—to shape distinct areas that promote both personal reflection and community interaction. This thoughtful approach aims to create a welcoming atmosphere, allowing occupants to feel connected to nature and to each other.

Spatial Organization

The layout includes seven specific areas, each corresponding to a chakra and its unique energy. The entry point features a gabion wall, which serves both a structural purpose and as a visual guide for visitors arriving at the main yoga shala. This design element allows for a smooth transition from the outside world into a space meant for contemplation and gathering.

Functionality and Flow

Each space is crafted to support various activities related to wellness practices. The Root Chakra (I AM) offers a welcoming entry, connecting visitors to the surrounding landscape, while the Sacral Chakra (I FEEL) includes essential service facilities for convenience. Additionally, the Solar Plexus Chakra (I DO) contains a small orchard, encouraging activities that involve personal cultivation. The Heart Chakra (I LOVE) is designed as a kitchenette, fostering social interaction and shared experiences among occupants.

Relationship with Nature

Natural light and ventilation are key components of the design, creating connections between the interior spaces and the environment outside. The Third Eye Chakra (I SEE) includes the yoga shala, which provides views of nature to enhance the calming experience. Nearby, the zen garden in the Crown Chakra (I UNDERSTAND) serves as a quiet space for meditation, encouraging users to unwind and reflect amid nature.

Design Elements

The project incorporates locally sourced gabion walls, filled with rock, to maintain a connection to the local landscape. This choice supports ecological sensitivity and contributes to the overall structure's efficiency. The design emphasizes simplicity and practicality, inviting users to engage fully with their surroundings. Each area resonates with principles of wellness, resulting in a space that enhances personal growth and fosters a sense of community among its users.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

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 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in