Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Translucent Roofing and Tree Trunk Supports Enhance Wellness Retreat Experience

Author:
Marlice Alfera
Translucent Roofing and Tree Trunk Supports Enhance Wellness Retreat Experience

Project in-detail

Utilizing tree trunk supports and translucent roofing, the design integrates with its forest setting to create a harmonious space dedicated to yoga and wellness practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes existing tree trunks as structural supports, minimizing landscape disruption.
02
Incorporates translucent roofing to maximize natural light and enhance the connection to nature.
03
Designed as an open-plan space, allowing for flexible use and varied activities.
04
Constructed primarily with locally sourced pine wood, emphasizing sustainability.
05
Features a dedicated communal kitchen to foster community engagement among visitors.
The Asana Yoga House is an architectural project located at the Vale de Moses Retreat in central Portugal. This facility is designed to serve as a yoga practice area, emphasizing the principles of sustainability, functionality, and a strong connection to its natural surroundings. The design integrates with the landscape, utilizing local materials and construction techniques to minimize environmental impact and support the local ecosystem.

The structure features an open-plan layout that encourages flexibility and movement while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Key components of the project include a spacious yoga practice area, amenities such as shower and restroom facilities, storage solutions that blend into the overall design, and a communal kitchen space. Each function is designed with careful consideration of user experience and interaction with nature.

Unique Design Approaches

The Asana Yoga House distinguishes itself through its innovative use of transparent roofing and walls, which facilitate natural light penetration and provide a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments. This design encourages an immersive experience for users, enhancing yoga practice through direct engagement with the surrounding landscape.

Utilizing existing tree trunks as structural supports exemplifies a design approach that prioritizes the preservation of the natural environment. This strategy not only reduces disruption but also reinforces the aesthetic integration of the structure into the forested hillside. The choice of local materials, particularly pine wood, reflects a commitment to sustainable practices while ensuring the building is in harmony with its setting.

Spatial Arrangement and Material Use

The spatial configuration of the Asana Yoga House is designed to promote fluidity and versatility. The main yoga area serves as the hub of the facility, allowing for diverse activities, from yoga classes to workshops. Supplementary spaces, such as the kitchen and restroom facilities, are designed to maintain a clean and functional aesthetic without compromising the overall serenity of the environment.

Materials used in the construction include pine wood for its structural elements, a translucent roofing system that balances light and shelter, and wire ropes that provide structural support while enhancing the visual appeal. Together, these materials contribute to a cohesive architectural language that resonates with the project’s commitment to sustainability and user well-being.

Explore further to understand the architectural plans, sections, and designs that shape this project. Discover the underlying architectural ideas and nuances that elevate the Asana Yoga House, providing deeper insights into its construction and design philosophy.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,249 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy