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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
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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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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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