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Natural Stone Cladding and Oak Elements Create a Tranquil Yoga Retreat Nestled in a Sloped Landscape

Authors:
Humberto Mejia, Jesse Rivera, Elizabeth Sanchez, Nickolas Beck
Natural Stone Cladding and Oak Elements Create a Tranquil Yoga Retreat Nestled in a Sloped Landscape

Project in-detail

Nestled among rolling hills, natural stone cladding harmonizes with oak accents to form a serene yoga facility that prioritizes connection to nature and mindfulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates locally sourced stone for cladding, enhancing sustainability and site integration.
02
Crafted from oak, the internal finishes create a warm and inviting atmosphere for practitioners.
03
The layout includes a central Zen garden, providing a calming focal point and connection to nature.
04
Large, unobstructed windows maximize natural light and frame picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
05
The sloped terrain of the site is tactically utilized to create a dynamic spatial experience throughout the facility.
This architectural project presents a dedicated yoga facility that embodies a thoughtful integration of structure and nature. Positioned on a gently sloping site, the design emphasizes serenity and healing, fostering a space that supports both the physical and mental practices of yoga. The architecture is characterized by natural materials and a layout that promotes a seamless connection to the surrounding landscape, encouraging contemplation and tranquility.

The project serves as a refuge for individuals seeking to deepen their connection to yoga and mindfulness. It is conceptualized to provide a serene environment for practice, meditation, and reflection. The main structure, referred to as the Shala, acts as the focal point of the facility, designed specifically for yoga sessions. The openness of the Shala invites abundant natural light through large, strategically placed windows, enhancing the experience of being in a space that feels both integrated with and inspired by nature.

The layout of the yoga facility is carefully orchestrated to facilitate the flow of movement and thought. The Shala is flanked by additional wings that house essential amenities, such as showers and kitchenette facilities. This separation of functional spaces not only boosts operational efficiency but also ensures that the areas designated for practice remain undisturbed by other activities. The presence of a Zen garden at the heart of the facility enhances the overall atmosphere, providing a space for reflection and connection to the elements of nature.

A distinctive aspect of the design approach lies in the choice of materials used throughout the facility. Cast-in-place concrete forms the structural base, offering strength while blending naturally with the environment. Stone cladding sourced from the immediate vicinity further ties the building to the site, accentuating its organic quality. By incorporating aluminum frames for the windows, the design promotes energy efficiency while maintaining unobstructed views of the landscape, reminding users of their surroundings as they engage in mindfulness practices.

The interior finishes also reflect a careful consideration of aesthetics and comfort. Warm wood tones from local Portuguese Holm Oak and wood plank flooring contribute to a welcoming ambiance, enabling a pleasant atmosphere that encourages relaxation. The incorporation of wood roof joists lends a sense of warmth to the interior spaces, providing a tactile and visually appealing contrast to the concrete elements.

The overall design concept embodies principles of Soft Portuguese Architecture, prioritizing harmony with the natural environment. The sloped terrain has been utilized effectively to enhance views and create an architecture that feels as though it emerges from the landscape rather than imposing upon it. Notably, the facility’s layout emphasizes quietude and introspection, separating communal and private spaces, ultimately creating an environment ideal for both individual growth and collective practice.

In exploring the architectural details, the project emphasizes a holistic view of wellness, crafted with a focus on spatial continuity and sensory experience. Each element—whether the angles of the shala, the flow of the garden, or the texture of materials—plays a role in promoting the facility’s core mission of fostering mindfulness and well-being. The yoga facility stands as a testament to the thoughtful application of architectural ideas aimed at creating a nurturing, functional environment.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of the work, it is worthwhile to explore the architectural plans, sections, and innovative design concepts illustrated in the project presentation. This facility exemplifies how architecture can enhance not only the physical space but also the experience of those who engage with it, providing a template of thoughtful living spaces responsive to the needs of its users and their connection to nature.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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