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Rammed Earth Sanctuary With Expansive Windows and Community Garden For Wellness Retreat

Author:
Fabio Ribeiro
Rammed Earth Sanctuary With Expansive Windows and Community Garden For Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Combining rammed earth construction with expansive windows and a communal garden, the retreat offers a serene environment tailored for yoga and wellness practices amidst the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth thermal mass minimizes energy consumption while enhancing indoor climate regulation.
02
Expansive windows strategically frame views of the surrounding landscape, deepening the connection to nature.
03
The communal garden incorporates native species, promoting local biodiversity and creating a serene gathering space.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels are used for structural integrity, reducing the carbon footprint of construction.
05
The retreat's bent A-frame design enhances stability and allows for effective natural ventilation throughout the facility.

The Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat is an architectural project situated in the scenic Vale de Moses, designed to provide a tranquil environment for yoga practitioners. The structure is seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape, utilizing the site’s topography to enhance both functionality and aesthetics. The architectural design focuses on creating a retreat that promotes mental and physical well-being through meditation and community engagement within a serene setting.

The primary function of the Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat is to serve as a space for yoga and wellness practices. It comprises communal areas for workouts, meditation, and relaxation, as well as amenities such as showers, a kitchenette, and storage facilities. The design responds to the needs of its users by fostering a sense of peace and connection to nature.

The retreat features several essential components that define the user experience:

1. **Yoga Space:** An expansive room designed to flood with natural light, promoting mindfulness and enhancing the meditative atmosphere. Designed with large windows, the space offers views of the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the connection to the outdoor environment.

2. **Central Garden:** This landscape element serves as a communal gathering space, offering a natural area for practitioners and visitors to connect and engage. It emphasizes social interaction and reflection, playing a crucial role in the overall user experience.

3. **Sustainable Materials:** The choice of materials such as rammed earth, wood, and concrete reflects a commitment to sustainability. These materials not only ensure durability but also align the project with environmentally responsible practices, minimizing its ecological footprint.

4. **Natural Ventilation:** The incorporation of adjustable louvers allows for efficient airflow management, enhancing comfort throughout different seasons while fostering an indoor environment conducive to relaxation and focus.

The unique design approaches evident in the Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat differentiate it from conventional wellness centers.

The integration of the structure with the topography represents a thoughtful response to the site’s landscape. The architectural plan minimizes disruption to the natural setting, using excavated earth to shape the environment around the retreat. This approach reduces the visual impact and maintains the integrity of the ecological systems in place.

Biophilic design is extensively applied, promoting connections between occupants and nature. The use of large glass panels facilitates transparency and invites the landscape inside, creating expansive views that encourage tranquility and contemplation.

Furthermore, the retreat’s landscaping is intentionally designed to be ecologically sustainable, featuring native plants that support local biodiversity. This commitment to environmental compatibility not only enhances the aesthetic value but also fosters a sense of responsibility and respect for nature among visitors.

To gain a deeper insight into the Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat, including elements such as architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. This exploration will provide further understanding of how the design effectively merges functionality, sustainability, and user experience.

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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.

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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

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