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Reflecting Pool and Cascading Garden in Locally Sourced Timber Retreat

Author:
Nilay Oza
Reflecting Pool and Cascading Garden in Locally Sourced Timber Retreat

Project in-detail

A reflecting pool and cascading garden complement a structure built with locally sourced timber, creating a harmonious retreat for yoga practice that connects users with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A reflecting pool integrated with the design serves as a meditative entry point to the shala.
02
Locally sourced masonry forms the foundation, minimizing environmental impact.
03
Structural laminated timber enhances both strength and aesthetics throughout the building.
04
The cascading garden incorporates native plant species, promoting local biodiversity.
05
Air circulation is optimized through the building’s northwest orientation, enhancing breathwork.

The Yoga House on a Cliff is located in Vale de Moses, an area celebrated for its natural landscape. Designed as a retreat for yoga practice, the building draws from Vastu principles to create spaces that foster a strong connection between individuals and the environment. The architecture promotes harmony through the integration of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. This thoughtful approach is aimed at enriching the experiences of visitors.

Air
- The design places a significant focus on the air element in the Northwest section. This part of the structure is intended to enhance movement and vitality. The yoga shala is carefully positioned to maximize air circulation, creating an inviting space for breathwork during practices. The arrangement encourages breezes to flow freely, which reinforces the relationship between physical activity and the forces of nature.

Water
- In the Northeast, a reflecting pool acts as a key feature that embodies the water element. This pool serves both a practical and symbolic purpose, offering a space for mindfulness and meditation before yoga sessions. The presence of water conveys ideas of purity and consciousness, enriching the overall spiritual experience within the shala.

Space
- At the center of the design lies the concept of space, represented by Akasha. This area is designed to be open and flexible, facilitating interaction and awareness among users. The emphasis on openness creates an environment that encourages exploration and connection between individuals. This aspect of the design supports both solitary reflection and communal engagement.

Earth
- In the Southwest portion of the building, the earth element is represented through a cascading garden that features local pine trees. This thoughtful design choice strengthens the connection with the surrounding landscape, allowing users to engage with the natural setting. Incorporating local flora enhances the sense of place and supports the ecological balance of the area.

The Yoga House makes use of sustainable construction techniques, with a foundation built from locally sourced masonry and structural laminated timber sourced from wood shavings and construction waste. This focus on resource management aligns with the building's purpose and enhances its integration with the environment. A noteworthy feature of the design is the roof, designed with gutters that capture rainwater. This water is then used for the reflecting pool and garden, further supporting environmental sustainability.

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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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