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Sinuous Concrete and Wood Retreat Surrounded by Zen Gardens

Authors:
Barbara paz Rossi maturana, Nicolò Marcon
Sinuous Concrete and Wood Retreat Surrounded by Zen Gardens

Project in-detail

Set against a cliffside, the retreat's sinuous concrete and wood structure integrates two serene Zen gardens, providing a tranquil space for yoga, meditation, and wellness activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Embraces the cliffside terrain with a sinuous form.
02
Integrates two distinct Zen gardens for meditation and reflection.
03
Single corridor design enhances natural light and circulation.
04
Dedicated areas for wellness support include a kitchen and lounge.
05
Features a rooftop lookout for panoramic valley views.

YOGA HOUSE ON A CLIFF combines architecture with the natural landscape, situated in a high location that connects with the sky. The purpose is to create a space for yoga, meditation, and health activities, focusing on the bond between the building and its surroundings. The design promotes an environment that encourages wellness and a deeper relationship with nature.

Architectural Layout

Covering 179 square meters, the building is divided into two main areas. Half of the space is dedicated to an open yoga area, while the other half includes essential services like bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms. A central corridor links these facilities, improving how people move through the space. This corridor features a large skylight that brings in natural light, enhancing the atmosphere within.



Spatial Connections

A smaller volume juts out towards the landscape, allowing for more natural light and offering views of the valley below. This section is used for yoga practices, while a kitchen and lounge area nearby provide comfort for breaks and refreshments. The design integrates outdoor gardens, inviting nature into the experience and reinforcing the focus on wellness.



Zen Garden Design

The gardens reflect Zen principles, incorporating natural features like gravel, stones, and native plants. Two specific Zen gardens are included, inspired by the Japanese arid garden. The first garden, located at the entrance, uses gravel to represent water and includes small stones that form the constellation of Ursa Major. The second garden, accessible from the yoga room, highlights the constellation of Ursa Minor, marked by a significant stone symbolizing the North Star.



Material Selection

The choice of materials contributes to the overall design of YOGA HOUSE ON A CLIFF. Concrete provides the necessary strength, while wood adds warmth, promoting a connection to the environment. Stone elements ground the building in its natural setting, and glass is used to maximize light, creating a visual link between inside and out.

The lookout on the roof offers an open view of the surrounding landscape, enriching the connection to nature in the experience of the space.

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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

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