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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
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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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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?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

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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