Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Recycled Stones and Chestnut Wood Embrace Meditation in a Sustainable Mountain Retreat

Authors:
Luca Ariedi, Alessandro Doimo, Laura Ariedi
Recycled Stones and Chestnut Wood Embrace Meditation in a Sustainable Mountain Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with recycled stones and chestnut wood, the design integrates large windows to connect users with breathtaking mountain views, creating a dedicated space for yoga and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed along a vertical path that symbolizes the seven chakras.
02
Features a yoga room designed to accommodate up to 30 participants.
03
Incorporates a rainwater collection system for sustainable water management.
04
Utilizes large windows to maximize natural light and enhance mountain views.
05
Integrates renewable energy sources, including wind turbines and solar panels.

The Yoga House on a Cliff is set within a mountainous landscape, designed to function as a spacious area for yoga and meditation. Its layout follows a vertical path that symbolizes the journey through the seven chakras, encouraging users to engage with both their inner selves and the surrounding environment. The building serves as a place for reflection and personal growth while maintaining a strong connection to nature.

Conceptual Framework

The design is based on the principles of the seven chakra system, where each space within the building corresponds to a specific chakra. The overall plan resembles the posture of a figure kneeling, which conveys openness and a readiness to connect with the environment. This approach invites users to explore their surroundings and fosters a collective sense of community and harmony.

Functional Arrangement

The building is divided into two main areas. The eastern section contains a café and changing rooms, while the western area is dedicated to the yoga studio, accommodating up to 30 participants. This separation of functions promotes easy access and encourages interactions among users. Pathways interlink both areas, ensuring smooth movement throughout the site and enhancing the overall experience.

Materiality and Sustainability

Although emphasis is placed on user experiences, the choice of materials plays an important role in integrating the building with its surroundings. The structure uses concrete with local recycled stones, laminated parquet, chestnut wood, a sheet metal roof, and a steel frame. These materials were selected with sustainability in mind. Additionally, renewable energy systems such as a hybrid pellet boiler, wind turbines, solar panels, and a rainwater collection system were incorporated into the design, emphasizing environmental responsibility.

Design Details

Large windows are featured prominently on the southern side of the building. They allow natural light to fill the spaces while offering views of the picturesque landscape. This design not only enhances the interior atmosphere but also reinforces the connection between the users and the natural world. The thoughtful balance between spacious areas and intimate settings creates an environment conducive to meditation and self-exploration.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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
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
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 17,725 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