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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

Project in-detail

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.

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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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