Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Rammed Earth Walls and Reed Mats Create a Harmonious Yoga Retreat in the Forest

Author:
Janni Schaffner
Rammed Earth Walls and Reed Mats Create a Harmonious Yoga Retreat in the Forest

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth walls and reed mat roofing, this forest-based retreat seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, providing a dedicated space for yoga and mindfulness practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced rammed earth for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates mud tiles for flooring, providing natural insulation.
03
Features reed mat roofing, promoting sustainability and a natural aesthetic.
04
Designed with folding windows to maximize natural light and views.
05
Landscaped with water features to encourage outdoor meditation spaces.
The architectural design of the "One with Nature" Yoga House presents an integrated approach to wellness and mindfulness, situated within a forested landscape. This project serves as a retreat space dedicated to yoga and personal reflection, reinforcing the connection between built environments and their natural surroundings. The design emphasizes sustainability through careful material selection, promoting an ecological footprint that aligns with the principles of the yoga philosophy it supports.

The Yoga House is primarily function-driven, facilitating yoga practices, meditation, and retreats. The layout is designed to cater to various activities, with distinct functional zones that include the main yoga studio, preparation areas, and contemplative spaces, ensuring that users have a comprehensive experience focused on wellness.

The structure employs a minimalist aesthetic, characterized by cohesive forms and clean lines. Key materials include rammed earth for walls, providing thermal mass and durability, along with mud tiles for flooring, enhancing the natural ambiance. The roof utilizes reed mats, which offer a sustainable option that also complements the environmental context. This careful choice of materials is further refined by the integration of a cork-trass-clay sealing layer, which supports climate control within the space.

The facility's unique design approach lies in its commitment to harmonizing architecture with the landscape. Large folding windows connect the interior with the exterior, allowing natural light and expansive views of the forest to permeate the space. This thoughtful integration serves not only aesthetic functions but also reinforces the users' connection to nature during their yoga practices.

Blending indoor and outdoor environments, the layout encourages engagement with natural features, displaying strategic landscaping through ponds and wildflowers. This enhances the overall experience, allowing for various outdoor contemplative spaces that complement the yoga practices inside the building.

Additionally, the project prioritizes functionality alongside aesthetic considerations. Each area is designed not only for its intended purpose but also to sustain a clean and organized atmosphere, with custom solutions integrated seamlessly into the overall architecture.

In summary, the "One with Nature" Yoga House exemplifies a conscious effort to align architectural practices with ecological sustainability and the principles of wellness. The innovative use of materials, combined with a design that respects and enhances the surrounding environment, sets this project apart from conventional designs.

For more details on this architectural project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and insights into architectural ideas, readers are encouraged to explore further elements of this design presentation to appreciate its comprehensive approach to wellness architecture.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 17,249 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