Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Rammed Earth Cabins Embracing Nature in a Secluded Yoga Retreat

Authors:
Anthony Spennato, Marianne Ventre
Rammed Earth Cabins Embracing Nature in a Secluded Yoga Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth and situated among pines, the yoga retreat integrates with its environment to provide a tranquil space for meditation and personal growth.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely with rammed earth for thermal stability.
02
Designed to blend into the surrounding pine forest for minimal visual impact.
03
Large glass panels maximize natural light while connecting interior spaces with nature.
04
Interior areas feature lightweight structures to enhance the sense of openness.
05
The layout promotes a seamless transition between meditation spaces and the outdoors.

Sādhanā is a yoga house located among a grove of pines, designed to provide a peaceful space for reflection and personal growth. The building blends with its environment, showcasing principles of sustainable design through thoughtful placement and material choices. As a dedicated area for spiritual and physical practices, Sādhanā focuses on the importance of everyday life as a means to cultivate well-being.

Design Concept

The design of Sādhanā is based on the practice of sādhanā, which encourages individuals to look inward and explore their true selves. This concept highlights the idea that actions like breathing, sitting, and moving can all be part of the yoga journey. The goal is to create a space that acts as both a support for personal development and a retreat from the outside world.

Spatial Arrangement

Visitors approach the building and transition from the natural surroundings into an interior designed for comfort. Upon entering through a wooden door, people first find a dark waiting area, which signifies moving away from daily distractions and into a space dedicated to meditation. In the main area, lightweight cabins made with rammed earth walls create a cozy atmosphere that invites relaxation. The Shala, or main practice area, is positioned to give wide views of the valley and nearby trees, enriching the experience of peace and calm.

Environmental Integration

The design of Sādhanā pays special attention to reducing its environmental impact. Stilts lift the building off the ground, allowing water to drain naturally and preserving the existing landscape. The building is arranged to make the most of sunlight, with overhangs that provide shade in warmer months and maximize ventilation.

Material Considerations

Sādhanā uses materials that fit its design goals, including rammed earth, wood, and glass. The rammed earth walls provide insulation and a sense of warmth, while wooden elements create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Large glass panels are used to let in natural light, connecting the indoors with the beauty of the outside environment.

In the Shala, white curtains diffuse sunlight, creating a gentle and welcoming space ideal for yoga and meditation. The combination of these elements allows for a harmonious interaction between nature and the building.

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

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

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
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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