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

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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?

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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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