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Light-Filled Yoga Space with Grooved Wood Flooring and Retaining Walls

Authors:
Shihao Li, Yuxi Zheng, Zichun Lin
Light-Filled Yoga Space with Grooved Wood Flooring and Retaining Walls

Project in-detail

Expansive views of the Portuguese valley are framed by a corridor of natural light and grooved wood flooring, creating a serene environment for yoga and wellness practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Located in the Portuguese valley, the building maximizes scenic views through strategic northwest orientation.
02
Light filters through a carefully designed corridor that contrasts with the bright yoga space.
03
Grooved wood flooring enhances both aesthetics and user experience throughout the retreat.
04
Walls are aligned to integrate seamlessly with the mountainous landscape.
05
Large windows allow an abundance of natural light, fostering a connection with the surrounding environment.

The building is situated in the scenic Portuguese valley, designed to provide a relaxing space focused on wellness. Its orientation to the northwest allows for expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The overall design concept centers on creating a connection to nature, with spaces that promote calmness and mindfulness.

Spatial Organization

Efficient circulation is a hallmark of the design. Main pathways are positioned along the eastern slope, allowing for natural movement throughout the space. The roof plays a crucial role in shaping the experience, regularly filtering sunlight into the corridor, which leads visitors to the bright yoga area.

Transition Experience

The corridor features a darker ambiance that prepares users for the bright openness of the yoga space. This deliberate contrast is intended to evoke a psychological shift as visitors enter, enhancing their overall experience. The design emphasizes the importance of sensory impact, especially in spaces dedicated to wellness activities.

Integration with Landscape

Walls are arranged either vertically or parallel to the mountain, helping the structure to remain connected to the site. By controlling the building’s height, a horizontal growth pattern is encouraged, allowing it to blend subtly with the natural surroundings. This approach shows a commitment to respecting the environment while still providing a functional space.

Material Considerations

The choice of materials is integral to the design. Elements such as the grooved wood floor, window frames, railings, and floorboards have been selected not only for durability but also for their ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These materials work together to enhance the visual experience and reflect the textures found in nature.

Large windows in the yoga space serve to invite light deep into the interior, creating a sense of unity with the valley outside. This design choice reinforces the connection between the interior environment and its breathtaking natural context.

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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

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