Constantinos Yanniotis: Metamorphosis Yoga Shala in Portugal, this project is about a Yoga Shala proposal submitted in an International Architecture Competition Call. The site is part of a mountain Yoga Retreat Complex located in a breathtaking forest region of central Portugal. The new Yoga Shala building is inspired by the Yoga philosophy, being a spiritual practice rather than a physical exercise. Apart from the Shala with an atrium space, the new development consists of the Teahouse cave volume. Both buildings are framed by the biomorphic xeriscaping garden islands, the curvilinear walking concrete stone paths, and the cultivation activities levels.
Yoga Cocoon Symbolism Parti, The geometry of the new Yoga Shala has been inspired by the Butterfly Cocoon. The Metamorphosis of the clumsy and worldly caterpillar, which transforms through an extraordinary biological process into a graceful Butterfly, is the core idea behind the building form and construction. Yoga practice is a personal journey toward enlightenment and the True Self. It means Connection, and this journey will only be authentic through the conceptualization and realization that everything is interconnected.
Xeriscape, Garden The design of the Garden that complements the new Yoga Shala building is based on sustainable Xeriscape practices. The Garden is formed by five islands. Four of them are exterior, and the fifth is located in the Atrium of the building. The basic elements that comprise the garden are local rocks and plants such as Lavender, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, Agave, Cactus, Purple Coneflower, etc. A linear planting of the colorful low bush is used to highlight the circulation paths.
Structure: The building consists of primary and secondary structural wood contour beams grid based on the yoga mat width. A horizontal perimetric bench-like shelf constructed with structural wood reinforces the structure stiffness while serving as a seating bench. The skin of the building is comprised of layers of plywood sheets, thermal insulation, and structured titanium panels. The Yoga Shala curved building skin incorporates photovoltaic panels. It has adequate thermal insulation and a Passivhaus construction envelope to maximize energy efficiency. The openings allow for adequate natural lighting and aeration. The rainwater and greywater are purified and stored in a water tank.
International Awards, Metamorphosis Yoga Shala earned numerous Architecture Awards in 2021 from several prestigious Awards Institutions and Foundations: Architect of the Year Awards 2021, A’ Design Award 2021, Architecture MasterPrize 2021, S.ARCH Awards 2021, World Design Awards 2021, LIV Hospitality Awards 2021, Paris DNA Design Awards, BLT Design Awards 2021.
INFORMATION
All images with courtesy of Constantinos Yanniotis
- Project name: Metamorphosis Yoga Shala in Portugal
- Architecture firm: Yanniotis & Associates | Architects & Consulting Engineers
- Location: Amieira, Portugal
- Tools used: ArchiCAD, Twinmotion
- Principal architect: Constantinos Yanniotis
- Design team: Konstantinos Xanthopoulos
- Visualization: Yanniotis & Associates
- Built area: 100 m²
- Design year: 2021
- International Competition Call
- Status: Concept Design
- Typology: Hospitality › Yoga Shala