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Interior Garden Elevating User Experience in Low Energy Yoga Space

Authors:
Yaniv Hatiel, Tina Tharrouniati
Interior Garden Elevating User Experience in Low Energy Yoga Space
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A partially recessed structure with an interior garden and low energy systems creates a harmonious space for yoga practice while seamlessly integrating with the surrounding Portuguese landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Partially recessed into a cliff, enhancing the connection with nature.
02
Incorporates an interior garden that invites natural elements indoors.
03
Utilizes low energy systems to minimize ecological impact.
04
Features topographic design elements referencing agricultural terraces.
05
Provides versatile spaces for both group yoga and individual meditation.

The project is set in the scenic landscape of Portugal and serves as a dedicated place for yoga practice. It highlights the connection of mind, body, and spirit, offering a comprehensive view of yoga that goes beyond simple physical activity. The design emphasizes harmony with the natural surroundings, aiming to create an environment where individuals can reflect and connect deeply with nature.

Integration with the Landscape

The goal is to add a layer to the existing landscape while fostering a connection between built and natural elements. By utilizing a topographic and horizontal design, the structure merges with the land rather than competing with it. The design partially sinks into the cliff, allowing nature to flow into the space and creating a peaceful interior garden that enhances the overall ambiance.

Spatial Versatility

The boundaries between indoor and outdoor areas shift, allowing for a range of experiences. Spaces are designed for both group yoga classes and individual meditation, providing opportunities for users to engage with the environment in different ways. Participants can move between communal areas and quiet spots, adjusting their experiences to fit their needs throughout their practice.

Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

Sustainability is a central aspect of the design approach. Features such as low energy thermal systems and a carefully planned exterior highlight a focus on minimizing the ecological impact. The strategies in place also respond to solar exposure, controlling heat while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere inside.

Incorporating elements that reflect traditional agricultural terraces, the design creates a visual connection to the surrounding landscape and its cultural history. The stepping surfaces not only provide structure but also invite users to explore their surroundings as they practice yoga in a calm, restorative space.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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