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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 Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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