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Suspended Staircase and Natural Stone Embrace in a Hillside Yoga Retreat

Author:
Bryan Dunkelberger
Suspended Staircase and Natural Stone Embrace in a Hillside Yoga Retreat

Project in-detail

A suspended staircase elegantly connects the expansive glass walls and natural stone façade of this hillside retreat, creating a serene yoga space that harmonizes with its breathtaking surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features a suspended staircase that enhances the connection between levels and invites users into the space.
02
Incorporates a greywater filtration system for irrigation, promoting sustainable water management.
03
Utilizes a stone veneer that seamlessly blends the building with its natural hillside setting.
04
Expansive glass walls provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, fostering a strong relationship with nature.
05
Employs cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity while adding warmth to the interior environment.
The project focuses on the design of a yoga house titled "Breathing In Nature," situated in the tranquil setting of Vale De Moses. This architectural endeavor embodies the principles of wellness and sustainability, offering a space that encourages holistic practice and mindfulness. The yoga house serves a clear purpose: to act as a dedicated area for yoga and meditation, fostering a deeper connection between individuals and the natural landscape surrounding it.

The architecture of the yoga house reflects a thoughtful integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, designed to harmonize with the sloping terrain of the site. As visitors approach, they are greeted by a gracefully ascending staircase that symbolically connects the earth to the sky, inviting users to transition from the noisy outside world to a serene inner sanctum. This deliberate design choice underscores the journey of self-discovery that yoga evokes and creates a gradual immersion into nature.

Materials play a vital role in reinforcing the project's ethos. The use of natural stone for the façade not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also establishes a tactile connection to the landscape. Concrete, combined with stone veneer, provides structural integrity while ensuring the building remains visually cohesive with its environment. Warm wood frames and paneling introduce a sense of comfort and warmth to the interior spaces, balancing the cooler qualities of stone and concrete. Expansive glass panels offer panoramic views, celebrating the breathtaking vistas of Vale De Moses while flooding the interior with natural light.

The interior layout is a vital component of the design, focused on functionality and fluidity. The main yoga studio is spacious and bathed in light, allowing practitioners to engage fully with their surroundings and their practice. Well-considered details, such as the placement of restrooms, storage areas, and beverage stations, contribute to the overall efficiency of the space, creating an unobtrusive yet functional environment. Additionally, sustainability is at the forefront of this project, as seen in the inclusion of a greywater filtration system that supports water recycling for irrigation, demonstrating a responsible use of resources.

Unique design approaches in this architectural project include the emphasis on sensory experiences throughout the yoga house. By strategically incorporating skylights, the design allows soft light to filter into the space, creating an ambiance conducive to relaxation and mindfulness. As individuals journey through the building, they encounter various micro-environments, each designed to heighten awareness and engagement with nature.

The yoga house in Vale De Moses stands as a testament to the principles of architecture that prioritize human experience and environmental responsibility. It illustrates how intentional design can create spaces that nourish the body and mind while respecting the natural world. Readers interested in exploring the nuances of this architectural project are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation. There, they can find insights on architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that illustrate the thoughtful processes behind this unique creation.
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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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