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Reclaimed Glass and Local Limestone Define a Sustainable Yoga Retreat

Author:
Elliot Goodman
Reclaimed Glass and Local Limestone Define a Sustainable Yoga Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing reclaimed glass and local limestone, the design creates an open yoga retreat that immerses practitioners in nature while promoting sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reclaimed glass is used extensively in the yoga studio to enhance natural light.
02
Local limestone serves as thermal mass, helping regulate indoor temperatures.
03
The design incorporates a rainwater collection system for sustainable water management.
04
Stepping stones in the adjacent stream provide a unique connection to nature.
05
Biodegradable products are utilized in all bathroom facilities to minimize environmental impact.

The Portuguese Yoga House is located in Portugal and focuses on creating a strong bond between living spaces and the surrounding nature. Designed primarily for yoga practitioners, it invites users to connect with the environment through its careful spatial arrangement and thoughtful design elements.

Architectural Concept

This yoga house centers on tranquility and immersion in the natural world. The yoga studio is open and bright, featuring an abstract roof that allows natural light to enter freely. This design provides a clear view of the landscape outside, enhancing the yoga experience and allowing practitioners to feel part of their environment. The kitchen, bathrooms, and other supporting areas are designed to promote comfort and practicality, ensuring a consistent visual appeal throughout the space.

Material Selection

Sustainability is a key focus in the choice of materials. Reclaimed glass is incorporated into the yoga studio, adding to its open atmosphere while promoting eco-friendly building practices. Local limestone is used for the walls, which helps to keep the interior cool, reducing the need for air conditioning. Using these materials reflects a commitment to responsible building practices that prioritize the environment, energy efficiency, and resource conservation.

Outdoor Integration

Landscaping is an essential component of the design, enhancing the overall experience. A natural stream runs alongside the building, cooling the area and providing soothing sounds for users. Stepping stones laid in the stream create inviting pathways, encouraging people to explore the outdoor space while interacting with nature in a meaningful way.

Design Features

Attention to detail is evident throughout the house, with design elements that enrich user experience. A rainwater collection system serves as the primary water source for kitchens and showers, demonstrating a focus on sustainability. Biodegradable products are used in bathrooms to ensure wastewater can safely return to the ecosystem. The yoga studio's layout is flexible, allowing for various activities, which supports diverse practices within a calm and peaceful setting.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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