Yoga House on a cliff

The project is about a Yoga House in Vale de Moses. The design approach aims to create an unobstructed yoga practice space that is harmoniously integrated with nature, offering a profound connection to the landscape. The building complex is positioned at the core of the plot, at the edge of a cliff, giving the impression that it floats above the landscape while framing the breathtaking view of the valley. Auxiliary spaces are placed behind, forming an L-shaped volume. An open-air corridor acts as a transitional filter between primary and secondary spaces, ensuring a seamless shift from the natural to the built environment.

The central yoga space, the “shala,” features glass façades that invite natural light and panoramic views. In summer, it fully opens, allowing the sounds and scents of the forest to blend into the practice. The skylight diffuses the soft northern light and enables natural cross-ventilation in the room. The roof slopes towards the sky, enhancing the feeling of openness, while the inclined façade columns reinforce the floating effect.

Three distinct gardens further enhance the connection with nature: a small entrance garden that serves as a mental preparatory space, the main garden with a floating platform for meditation and sunset gatherings, and finally, an introverted Zen garden, where the carefully controlled setting of gravel, water, and rocks emphasizes the principles of naturalness, simplicity, and austerity.

The project embraces sustainability through the use of natural materials such as wood and gabions, passive cooling and heating strategies, solar panels that provide renewable energy, and a rainwater collection system. The funnel-shaped roof gutter directs rainwater down through a rain chain into a water tank. The entire design aims to minimize the environmental impact of the building complex and seamlessly integrate human presence with the natural surroundings.