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Rainwater Harvesting and Sun Blockers Enhance a Garden-Focused Retreat in Wood

Authors:
Guillaume Rey, Matteo Ricchi
Rainwater Harvesting and Sun Blockers Enhance a Garden-Focused Retreat in Wood

Project in-detail

Constructed with a corrugated fiber cement roof for rainwater collection and designed with wood sun blockers for temperature control, the yoga house creates a tranquil community space that integrates nature and functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built with a corrugated fiber cement roof for efficient rainwater harvesting.
02
Designed with wood sun blockers to regulate interior temperature.
03
Features an integrated garden for food cultivation and outdoor relaxation.
04
Arranged in three distinct zones for communal and individual activities.
05
Orientated westward to maximize natural light throughout the day.

The yoga house stands as a carefully designed structure in a natural landscape close to the Rio Zêzere. This building takes the form of a single shifted wood volume that aims to create a connection with its surroundings while serving both communal and individual purposes. The overall concept focuses on balancing built space with nature, accommodating social gatherings and personal moments of reflection.

Functional Organization

The layout of the yoga house consists of three main areas: an entrance common space, a garden for relaxation, and the central yoga practice room. This design allows for group activities while keeping quiet spaces for meditation and personal practice. The garden plays a critical role, acting as a nature-filled environment that enhances the experience for users.

Solar Orientation and Light

The building is oriented towards the west to make the most of natural light during the day. This positioning enriches the indoor environment and supports natural heating. Features such as wood sun blockers and canvas blinds help manage solar heat, ensuring comfortable spaces even in warmer months.

Sustainability in Design

Attention to sustainability is a key aspect of the design. Rainwater management is an important feature, with a simple corrugated fiber cement roof designed to collect rainwater effectively. This collected water is then channeled to the garden, allowing for irrigation without relying on other sources. The lightweight wooden structure also means that the building can be assembled quickly, minimizing its impact on the environment.

The yoga house’s design emphasizes a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The layout allows for easy movement between rooms and the garden, fostering an inclusive atmosphere. The thoughtful integration of natural elements creates a calming environment for relaxing and practicing yoga, reinforcing the relationship between the building and the surrounding landscape.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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