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Rammed Earth Walls and Flowing Water in a Serene Yoga Retreat

Authors:
Jinlong Li, Sen Yan, Xibao Ren, Huichao Luo
Rammed Earth Walls and Flowing Water in a Serene Yoga Retreat

Project in-detail

With rammed earth walls and integrated water features, the design creates a tranquil environment that enhances the practice of yoga and meditation in Vale De Moses.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide natural thermal insulation and a warm aesthetic.
02
Large windows optimize natural light while framing views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Water features enhance acoustic comfort and promote a serene atmosphere.
04
Carefully designed light slits create dynamic shadows throughout the day.
05
The layout encourages a gradual transition from communal to private meditation spaces.

The Abidance Yoga House, located in the peaceful landscape of Vale De Moses, provides a space for yoga practitioners who are looking for community and personal reflection. The design concept emphasizes the connection between the physical environment and the spiritual journey of yoga. A solid wall is a central feature, dividing the site and creating different zones that lead users through a thoughtful sequence of experiences.

Design Concept
The main idea of the yoga house rests on the notion of progression. Each space has been carefully designed to reflect stages of self-discovery, promoting a balance between personal contemplation and shared experiences. This layout encourages visitors to engage deeply with their surroundings, enhancing their practice of yoga.

Natural Light and Spatial Dynamics
Natural light plays a significant role in the house's design. The placement of openings and large windows allows daylight to fill the interiors, creating a lively atmosphere that changes throughout the day. This interaction between light and shadow enriches the experience within the yoga spaces, making the environment responsive to the time and seasons.

Materiality and Structure
Materials selected for the Abidance Yoga House are key to its identity. Walls made of rammed earth add warmth and texture, while exposed concrete provides strength and stability. A steel frame supports the overall structure. Glazed surfaces are thoughtfully positioned to improve visibility and connect the interior with the surrounding landscape, reinforcing a sense of unity between the built environment and nature.

Water Features and Acoustic Elements
The inclusion of water features enhances the atmosphere, adding to the space's visual appeal and impact. The calming sounds of flowing water create a serene backdrop, enriching both meditation and yoga practices. These elements strengthen the connection between practitioners and nature, highlighting the relationship between physical well-being and environmental awareness.

Transition areas within the yoga house are designed with openings that allow views of the landscape, ensuring a continuous relationship between the interior spaces and the natural setting, fostering a tranquil atmosphere that supports the practice of yoga.

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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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