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Zen Garden Retreat with Tree Preservation and Southern Balcony Views

Authors:
Antonio Mendoza, Karla Oliveira
Zen Garden Retreat with Tree Preservation and Southern Balcony Views

Project in-detail

With a large balcony extending over the cliff and a Zen garden incorporated for reflection, the retreat seamlessly integrates tree preservation while providing a tranquil space for yoga practice.
5 key facts about this project
01
The Shala features a large balcony that extends over a cliff for enhanced natural views.
02
Existing trees on the site are preserved with integrated gaps in the terrace floor.
03
Access points include a staircase connecting directly to nearby parking.
04
A Zen garden is located to the north, offering a space for solitude and reflection.
05
Daylight openings in the roof design optimize light while providing sun protection.

Located in the scenic Moses Valley, the project focuses on creating a retreat space specifically designed for yoga practice. The high terraces in this area offer beautiful views that enhance the experience of those using the space. The overall design aims to connect users with nature while emphasizing functionality and calmness.

Design Integration

The Shala, which serves as the yoga room, is strategically placed at the widest point of the site, featuring a large balcony that faces south towards the cliff. This arrangement maximizes the available area for practice and allows participants to engage with nature. Existing trees are preserved with thoughtful gaps in the terrace floor, ensuring that the design respects the natural surroundings and promotes sustainability.

Access and Circulation

On the east side, a services module contains bathrooms and kitchen facilities, acting as a buffer between outdoor and indoor areas. This module is designed for easy access, making it convenient for users and service deliveries. It welcomes foot traffic while also accommodating vehicle access for material transfer. The design ensures smooth circulation around the Shala, with well-planned pathways enabling movement all around the structure.

Zen Garden

To the north, a Zen garden complements the retreat experience, providing a peaceful setting for reflection. A large window on the north facade connects the garden visually with the Shala, allowing natural light to enter while offering shade protection. This integration not only serves functional purposes but also enhances the overall atmosphere, promoting solitude and mindfulness.

Light and Environmental Response

The roof design aligns with the sun's movement, incorporating openings that are oriented along the east-west axis. This optimizes daylight throughout the day. Eaves and shading elements are included to reduce direct sunlight, contributing to comfort during peak hours. The response to environmental conditions reflects a commitment to environmentally friendly design practices.

Each aspect of the project emphasizes a strong bond between built spaces and the surrounding landscape, which cultivates an atmosphere of tranquility and connection. The thoughtful blend of design elements creates a conducive environment for yoga and relaxation.

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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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