Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Natural Stone Integration with Glulam Structure for a Tranquil Wellness Retreat

Author:
Minos Pediaditakis
Natural Stone Integration with Glulam Structure for a Tranquil Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Elevated on a cliff, the retreat seamlessly integrates natural stone and glulam timber to create a serene environment for yoga and meditation practice, promoting deep connections with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated cliffside location enhances panoramic views and direct engagement with nature.
02
Integration of local stone ensures environmental harmony and minimizes ecological impact.
03
Use of glulam timber provides structural efficiency while maintaining warmth in aesthetics.
04
Customized bent A-frame design allows for unique spatial experiences and natural light penetration.
05
Charred wooden shingles contribute to fire resistance and add texture to the building's facade.

The Chaturanga Yoga Retreat is an architectural project situated in the Vale de Moses, designed to facilitate holistic health and well-being through a strong integration of built space and natural environment. This retreat serves as a multifunctional venue for yoga practice, meditation, and personal reflection, emphasizing an ethos centered on mindfulness and tranquility. The architecture is characterized by a seamless blend with the surrounding landscape, leveraging local materials and sustainable design principles to create a tranquil environment for its users.

Integration with Nature

A standout feature of the Chaturanga Yoga Retreat is its design strategy that promotes a deep connection to the natural surroundings. The structure is elevated atop a cliff, strategically positioned to ensure breathtaking views while respecting the site’s existing flora and topography. This integration is achieved through the extensive use of local stone for the base and walls, fostering a sense of harmony with the natural elements. Large glass panels dominate the facade, allowing abundant natural light and creating a visual connection to the landscape, which enhances the indoor experience while minimizing artificial lighting needs.

The architectural concept employs glulam timber for structural components, ensuring both durability and an inviting aesthetic. The circular roof design symbolizes unity, reflecting the spiritual aspects of yoga and enhancing the sensory experience for users. Additionally, slatted wooden screens are employed in various areas to offer privacy while allowing light to filter softly through, creating a warm and calming interior atmosphere.

Flexible Functionality

The design of the Chaturanga Yoga Retreat places emphasis on adaptable spaces that accommodate diverse activities. The layout features interconnected sections that facilitate fluid movement between areas, enhancing social interaction while also providing private nooks for reflection or meditation. The retreat’s communal spaces can host group activities or workshops, while private rooms serve as individualized retreats for guests seeking solitude.

Strategic landscaping further complements the architectural design, using native vegetation to enhance biodiversity and create soothing visual elements for the retreat’s visitors. This approach to design reinforces the project’s mission of promoting well-being through environmental awareness and thoughtful engagement with nature. The incorporation of stormwater management systems through these gardens exemplifies a commitment to sustainable practices within the project.

Overall, the Chaturanga Yoga Retreat reflects a considered architectural response to its environment, marrying function with aesthetics in a manner that encourages a comprehensive sense of well-being. For those interested in exploring the details of this project further, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas will provide deeper insights into its thoughtful design methodologies and unique features.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

`

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy