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Terraced Pavilion Featuring Air-Harvesting Systems for Mindfulness Practices

Authors:
Christopher Manzo, aia, Mark Foxworth, aia, Ron Peron, pe
Terraced Pavilion Featuring Air-Harvesting Systems for Mindfulness Practices

Project in-detail

The Pavilion's air-harvesting systems and terraced layout integrate seamlessly with the hillside, creating a tranquil environment dedicated to yoga and mindfulness practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
The Pavilion incorporates an air-harvesting tower for natural ventilation.
02
Terraced design follows the hillside contours to enhance views.
03
Community spaces are sheltered beneath a floating roof structure.
04
Passive cooling uses harvested water to regulate indoor temperature.
05
Composting toilets and grey water systems support sustainability efforts.

Prana: A Pavilion for Yoga is located in the peaceful setting of Vale de Moses. It is designed to create a space where individuals can engage in yoga and mindfulness practices. The Pavilion is built around the principles of Practice, Procession, and Prana. These concepts guide users as they move through the building and encourage a connection with the surrounding landscape.

Design Concept

The Pavilion's layout features terraces that mirror the natural slope of the hillside. This approach minimizes disruption to the site while maximizing views over the valley. Users are drawn through a series of experiences as they navigate the space, ultimately arriving at the enclosed Practice room, which offers a quiet and serene setting.

Architectural Features

One notable aspect of the Pavilion is its floating roof, which offers protection while allowing sightlines to the outside. This design promotes interaction among users by providing a sheltered area for communal activities. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, which brightens the interior and enhances the overall atmosphere.

Sustainability Systems

Sustainability is a key consideration in the design. The Pavilion features an air-harvesting tower that helps ventilate the space naturally. As dry air passes over water, it cools before entering the Practice room. Other eco-friendly elements include composting toilets, systems for reusing grey water, wood-burning heat, and solar power. Together, these systems reflect a commitment to environmental care.

Materials

The presentation includes some materials chosen for the Pavilion. These materials support both the function and beauty of the building. They show respect for traditional building methods while addressing modern needs. The way these materials come together creates a feeling of comfort and connection to the landscape, allowing users to enjoy a soothing environment.

The Pavilion’s design emphasizes clarity and simplicity, inviting users to find peace within its walls.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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