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Thatch Roofed Retreat Emphasizing Modular Unity Amidst Nature

Authors:
Mohammad Sayed Ahmad, Shuya Iwata
Thatch Roofed Retreat Emphasizing Modular Unity Amidst Nature
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With a thatch roof and a modular layout inspired by the Vrikshasana yoga pose, the design enhances community connections while offering a tranquil space for yoga practice amidst the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the Vrikshasana yoga pose, the design symbolizes community support.
02
The integration of louvers enhances natural light while maintaining ventilation.
03
A thatch roof reflects traditional techniques while harmonizing with the environment.
04
Zen landscaping principles create a tranquil outdoor experience.
05
Modular units promote flexible use, accommodating various group sizes.

The Vale De Moses Yoga House is a thoughtfully designed space that blends well with its natural surroundings, providing a quiet retreat for yoga practice. Set in a picturesque landscape, the building emphasizes a strong relationship between the environment and communal activities. It draws inspiration from the shapes and principles of mandalas, promoting concepts of balance and unity. The design also reflects the Vrikshasana yoga pose, symbolizing support and togetherness among its users.

Design Concept

The architecture creates a strong link between the indoors and outdoors. The yoga house is arranged to offer clear views of the landscape, allowing those inside to connect with nature easily. This openness enhances the experience of yoga and meditation, fostering a sense of calm and reflection in all its occupants.

Functional Spaces

Inside, the building includes several essential spaces: an entrance, a yoga studio, a toilet, a shower, a kitchen, storage, and a garden. Each area is carefully considered for practical use while maintaining overall harmony in design. The solar panel incorporated into the plan highlights a commitment to sustainability, aiming to use energy effectively.

Materials and Construction

Wooden columns and frames form the structure of the building, providing strength while creating a warm atmosphere. Louvers designed into the façade support ventilation and natural light, adding to the building’s appeal. The roof, made of thatch and supported by a beam system, aligns with the traditional designs often found in similar environments, enhancing the connection to nature.

Landscape Integration

The landscaping follows Zen principles, adding to the peaceful quality of the site. It serves as an extension of the interior, encouraging quiet thought and meditation. This careful landscaping approach improves the overall feel of the space, ensuring it supports the use and experiences of those who come to practice yoga.

At the center is a garden area that invites quiet moments of reflection, completing the purpose of the yoga house as a place for connection, tranquility, and mindfulness.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

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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