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Natural Light Filtered Through Wood and Glass in a Tranquil Retreat

Authors:
Bárbara Díaz gallardo, María Gallego pérez, Cristina Jiménez egido
Natural Light Filtered Through Wood and Glass in a Tranquil Retreat

Project in-detail

Filtered light and shadows dance through a double-skin structure of glass and wood, creating an immersive environment for yoga and meditation in a serene hillside retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Filtered light creates dynamic patterns within the Yoga Shala.
02
The design incorporates a zen garden with meditation nests.
03
Rainwater collection systems support the surrounding landscape.
04
Wooden slats simulate being under tree canopies.
05
Natural ventilation aligns with wind patterns for comfort.

The New Yoga House is located in the peaceful setting of Vale de Moses and serves as a dedicated space for yoga and meditation. The design aims to create a rich experience that connects users to the natural world. By incorporating elements like natural light, wind, and rain, the concept emphasizes the practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing, promoting a deep sense of well-being.

Environmental Integration

The design carefully blends with the surrounding nature. It features a natural pathway that links different parts of the retreat, allowing users to enjoy open views of the landscape. The Yoga Shala is positioned to face the slope, ensuring both comfort and an enhanced relationship with the outdoor environment.

Spatial Organization

Functionality and calmness are prioritized in the layout. The support band, which includes important facilities such as toilets, changing rooms, and a kitchen, is placed to minimize disruptions during yoga and meditation sessions. This thoughtful arrangement provides privacy for users, aligning with the retreat's purpose of fostering deep personal reflection.

Material and Light Interaction

A key feature of the Yoga Shala is the use of a double skin made of glass and wooden slats. This design allows light to filter in while maintaining visibility to the outside. The changing patterns of light and shadow throughout the day contribute to the atmosphere in the space, making it more inviting for meditation and practice.

Sustainability and Water Management

The project incorporates sustainable practices, such as a rainwater collection system and natural water filtration for irrigation. These features not only support local ecology but also reinforce the connection between the building and its environment. They ensure the landscape remains vibrant, honoring the natural characteristics of the site.

An important detail is the zen garden, designed as a space where users can find solitude and reflect. The garden features thoughtful resting areas that keep users engaged with the natural surroundings, enhancing their overall experience at the retreat.

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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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