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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
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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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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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