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Panoramic Yoga Shala Framed by Natural Stone and Azulejo in Valley Retreat

Authors:
Christine Da silva ferreira das neves, Ricardo Da silva ferreira das neves, Svenja Wehrend
Panoramic Yoga Shala Framed by Natural Stone and Azulejo in Valley Retreat

Project in-detail

A panoramic yoga shala constructed with local natural stone and vibrant azulejo tiles offers a tranquil retreat in the valley, designed to foster community and personal wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
A panoramic window frames views of the valley, enhancing the connection to nature.
02
The yoga shala features sliding doors that allow for flexible use of the space.
03
Local natural stone reinforces the building's relationship with the surrounding environment.
04
The garden includes distinct zones designed for both retreat and community engagement.
05
Vibrant azulejo tiles add cultural significance and visual interest to the lobby area.

The design emerges from a thoughtful relationship between the building and its natural surroundings, prominently situated in a valley landscape. It offers spaces for yoga, relaxation, and social interactions. The main idea centers around creating a connection with the environment, where the structure appears to float above the valley while maintaining a close bond with the earth and nearby trees.

Spatial Organization

Two distinct levels shape the overall layout, designed to enhance the visitor experience. The upper level features an open plan intended for yoga and communal activities, facilitating easy movement among various spaces. Flexibility is a key element, allowing these areas to adapt to the needs of users. The yoga shala can be separated from outside noise with sliding doors, providing a calm atmosphere during practice, while also allowing for social gatherings when not in use.

Entrance and Lobby Experience

Visitors begin their journey at the entrance, marked by a natural stone wall that creates a welcoming atmosphere. Upon entering the lobby, they are greeted by a large panoramic window that showcases views of the valley and hills. This design decision floods the interior with bright light and connects occupants to the outside world. The framing of these views encourages a connection with the landscape, enhancing the overall experience within the space.

Material Context and Landscaping

Attention to material choices reflects a deep understanding of the geographical context. Locally sourced materials help establish a sense of belonging within the landscape. Warm wood complements the colorful azulejo tiles seen in the lobby, while natural stone reinforces the structure’s relationship to the earth. Surrounding the building, the garden is intentionally divided into various zones that fulfill different needs, balancing areas for quiet retreat with spaces for community engagement.

The integration of these features results in a building that serves its intended functions while inviting visitors to engage with the natural environment, enhancing their connection to the space.

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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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