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Mud Walls and Plywood Finishes Embrace Nature in a Tranquil Yoga Retreat

Authors:
Fabien Le goff, Sarah Bargue
Mud Walls and Plywood Finishes Embrace Nature in a Tranquil Yoga Retreat

Project in-detail

With its mud walls and expansive plywood finishes, the retreat creates a serene atmosphere, seamlessly blending with the forest while providing a dedicated space for yoga and meditation practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mud walls provide natural insulation and blend with the surrounding environment.
02
Large windows facilitate seamless views of the forest landscape.
03
Plywood finishes enhance acoustics and contribute to a warm interior aesthetic.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems support sustainability and resource conservation.
05
A meditation garden complements the retreat's focus on mindfulness and tranquility.
The Namaskara Cabin project is an architectural design focused on providing a conducive environment for yoga and meditation. It integrates seamlessly into its wooded hillside location, serving as a wellness retreat that emphasizes the relationship between the built structure and nature. The design features a central yoga studio, flanked by relaxation and changing rooms, aiming to facilitate a tranquil space for physical and mental well-being.

The project represents a commitment to sustainability, mindfulness, and ecological sensitivity. It is structured to enhance the user experience through thoughtful spatial configurations and material choices. The cabin is designed to promote a sense of serenity and connection, critical to its function as a retreat.

Spatial Layout and Functionality

The cabin's layout consists of linear sections that create a central lobby, ensuring a fluid transition between different spaces. This spatial organization fosters an uninterrupted flow, essential for yoga practices. The yoga studio is characterized by large openings that allow natural light to flood the area, promoting a sense of openness and harmony with the surrounding landscape. Transitioning from the changing rooms to the studio enables practitioners to mentally prepare for their sessions, encouraging mindfulness before attainment.

The thoughtful positioning of skylights and windows ensures that the interior maintains a connection with nature, enhancing the overall atmosphere. In addition to the yoga and relaxation areas, the incorporation of a meditation garden adjacent to the cabin provides an outdoor space for quiet reflection, extending the cabin's function beyond its physical boundaries.

Innovative Material Selection

The Namaskara Cabin employs a range of materials that are both sustainable and locally sourced. Wood plays a vital role in the structure, providing warmth and aesthetic appeal while aligning with the natural environment. Mud walls are integrated within the design for their thermal properties, promoting energy efficiency and contributing to the cabin's low environmental impact.

Plywood panels are utilized for interior finishes, optimizing acoustics and maintaining a rustic aesthetic. A glass facade ensures unobstructed views of the forest, creating a visual and physical connection to the landscape. Steel panels are used for the roofing, providing durability and a modern touch while ensuring that the overall design remains lightweight.

The selection of these materials is integral to the project, reflecting an innovative approach that prioritizes sustainability without compromising on aesthetics or functionality. The use of rainwater harvesting systems and passive solar heating further reinforces the project's commitment to environmental stewardship.

The Namaskara Cabin exemplifies a well-conceived architectural design that aligns with wellness principles and ecological awareness. Its unique integration of space, materials, and environmental considerations distinguishes it within the realm of retreat architecture.

For further exploration, consider reviewing architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs that showcase these ideas in detail. Exploring these elements will deepen your understanding of the project and its thoughtful architectural concepts.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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
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