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Rammed Earth Retreat Elevated Above a Cliff with Natural Light Atriums

Authors:
Artemis Papakosta, Alexandros Iakovakis
Rammed Earth Retreat Elevated Above a Cliff with Natural Light Atriums
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Elevated above a cliff, this yoga retreat employs rammed earth construction and integrates natural light atriums to create a tranquil space for meditation and practice.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated yoga studio offers panoramic sunset views.
02
Incorporates three gardens to enhance indoor-outdoor connection.
03
Constructed with locally sourced rammed earth for sustainability.
04
Features atriums that illuminate spaces with natural light.
05
Layout symbolizes the journey of yoga practice through a central hallway.

The Yoga House on a Cliff is situated in a striking location that features diverse topography and natural beauty, designed as a space for yoga and meditation. Its layout is intended to create an atmosphere of calm and introspection, encouraging users to connect deeply with their practice and the surrounding environment. The design concept prioritizes harmony between the built form and nature, offering a unique experience for those who visit.

Architecture Concept

The design reflects the principles of yoga, where the connection between body and mind is essential. A central hallway is a significant element of the layout, symbolizing the journey experienced during yoga practice. The simplicity of the building’s geometry helps to create a tranquil atmosphere, inviting users to engage in self-reflection as they navigate the space.

Natural Integration

The integration of the building with its natural setting is a notable aspect of the design. Open spaces with large windows and glass doors facilitate the flow of natural light and provide views of the external landscape. The yoga studio is elevated above the cliff, allowing for wide views to the west. This orientation captures the beauty of the sunset, creating a serene backdrop for practice. The elevation helps users feel a sense of separation from the bustling world, focusing their attention inward.

Functional Spaces

The layout includes three accessible gardens and patios that enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor areas. Moving through the central hallway leads to practical spaces such as changing rooms and showers, making it easy for visitors to transition from one area to another. The arrangement of these spaces has been designed to support the needs of yoga practitioners while maintaining a logical and comfortable flow throughout the building.

Materiality

Rammed earth is the primary building material, selected for its local availability and sustainability. Using this material connects the structure to the landscape, grounding it in the environment. Concrete is used in specific areas, particularly in the showers, where moisture management is essential. The warmth of wood is evident in the flooring and furniture, adding a natural touch that complements the overall design without overwhelming it.

One noteworthy feature of the Yoga House is the presence of ceiling atriums that allow light to filter in while providing views of the sky. This design detail enriches the interior space and keeps users aware of their surroundings. It encourages a feeling of openness and tranquility, perfectly suited for yoga and meditation.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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