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Rounded Forms and Sustainable Materials Enhance Wellness Retreat Experience

Authors:
Baiba Ruke, Ligita Brege
Rounded Forms and Sustainable Materials Enhance Wellness Retreat Experience
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Constructed with rounded forms and sustainable materials like hemp and cork, the yoga house is designed to enhance mindfulness and well-being in a serene cliffside setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed on a cliff for panoramic mountain views.
02
Incorporates rounded forms to support energy flow during yoga.
03
Utilizes hemp and cork for eco-friendly insulation.
04
Features dual entrances for changing rooms to enhance privacy.
05
Surrounding landscape designed as a tranquil garden for meditation.

Surya Namaskar Yoga House is located on a cliff in Vale De Moses, serving as a space for yoga and meditation. The design reflects a deep respect for sunlight and the surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious experience for users. This approach supports interaction with nature while providing a peaceful environment for personal reflection.

Design and Orientation

The yoga house is positioned to take advantage of stunning mountain views and sunlight, which enters primarily in the evening. This orientation plays a crucial role in shaping both the layout and atmosphere of the space. The relationship between light and shadow is central to the design, leading to interior spaces that feel alive and change throughout the day.

Form and Layout

The shape of the building features smooth, rounded forms that encourage energy flow, essential for yoga practices. The absence of sharp edges contributes to a calming atmosphere, promoting both physical and emotional movement within the space. The layout is aimed at fostering a strong connection with the natural surroundings, allowing light to brighten the interiors and enhance the overall sense of tranquility.

Materials and Sustainability

Sustainability is a key focus, with careful material choices for both functionality and environmental impact. The main structure is built with timber, providing durability while keeping it lightweight. Insulation is achieved using hemp and cork, which offer good thermal properties and support eco-friendly design. The interior walls are clad in wooden paneling, contributing warmth, whereas cedar shingles cover the exterior, blending the building into its forested setting.

Interior Elements and Functionality

Inside, large windows provide clear views of the outside, inviting nature into the user experience. The yoga room can accommodate up to 28 individuals and features changing rooms fitted with lockers and dual entrances for accessibility. These thoughtful design elements ensure easy movement and privacy, facilitating a smooth transition for practitioners. The surrounding landscape includes a garden area, designed for quiet walks after yoga sessions, further enhancing the reflective nature of the experience.

The overall design prioritizes a balance between modern requirements and a connection to the environment, resulting in a calm space that promotes mindfulness and personal growth.

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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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