YOGA HOUSE ON A CLIFF

Year: 2020

Category of the project: Competition project

Location: Oleiros, Portugal

Program: Yoga house

Area: 140 m2

Vale de Moses is located in a preserved natural environment surrounded by forested hills. The local environment provides visitors with unobstructed views of the valley and allows them to experience the prevalence of nature. The area is free from the busyness of urban life, which brings an opportunity for mental relaxation and unity with nature. Design of the house inspired by the traditional house archetype with tile gable roofs and white stucco walls. The architecture of the building balances between the qualities of the modern and traditional Portuguese design. The building has a single solid wall facing the slope while the other walls are almost fully made of glass. The yoga house is in a constant dialogue with nature since its open from all its sides. The relationship between the interior and exterior is intensified by extending the terrace that comes from the space of the yoga studio.

Yoga house is designed on the natural terrasse of slope and its position follows the slope orientation. Three wooden platforms leading to the upper natural terrasse.

The design is based on clarity, order, proportion, and simplicity. The building has a symmetrical plan, where the interior is designed as a sequence of spaces leading from the entrance area to the yoga studio. This way, the yoga studio can be perceived from the very entry of the building.

The welcoming zone at the entrance serves for gatherings. It is furnished with a sofa, chairs, and a small kitchen. In the middle of the house, you can find a transition zone, which can also be used for the preparation for yoga practice. Here you can find the storage for yoga mats and necessary accessories. From here, one can get to the cooling Zen-style garden, located in the shadowy Northeast side of the building, and to the sunny terrace at the Southwest site as well. The yoga studio is a rectangular room facing west with views of the sunset. The interior is minimalistic: there is nothing more than is needed. The studio has direct access to the terrace through the multiply sliding window frames.

The main structural elements of the building are a solid wall and a timber frame structure. The wall is made of brick and has thermal insulation. One side of the timber frame structure leans on the brick wall, whereas all the other sides on the wooden columns. Since the yoga house is surrounded by the forest, it was decided to use wood as a major material for construction. White plaster is used as a topcoat of the walls. The roof of the house is insulated with cork and covered with lightcolored tile. Cork is an ecological insulation material; whose production promotes the recycling of agricultural waste. The use of light colors in the exterior finishing provides a sustainable solution because it reflects the excess solar heat.

The sloped roof is also used to collect water from the surface. Rainwater goes from the roof to the underground water tank. Then, it is used for irrigation and bathroom distribution. Drinking water for the building will be provided from the solar hydro panels. Solar panels will be used to provide the house with energy. Solar hydroplanes and solar panels are installed on the ground to gain a more favorable orientation.