Portuguese Shala, Oleiros, Portugal
Bee Breeder Yoga House on a Cliff 2020
Savasana, a simple pose in form, yet complex at the mind and body.
A yoga pose that is often done at the end of a session to allow the body to rest, absorb, and integrate the benefits of
yoga practice into the muscle memory, mind, and nervous system.
Inspired by the Savasana pose, the new Shala will be a minimal, calm, and protective, but permeable layer to the natural
setting of Vale de Moses to assist yogis taking in their practice and surrounding life forces. The design aims to
channel in its surroundings while being protective by taking form as a primitive structure that has the flexibility of
multiple elevations that can be opened or closed depends on the time of day or season of the year. This allows the yogis
to take in the surroundings no matter the condition. A Shala of nature.
By taking shape in a Primitive Form, the new Shala design speaks to the rest of the structures in the valley, keeping a harmonious feeling. The concrete roof of the Shala transformed into a cantilever beam, which created a column-free garden and tea space to enjoy the sunset view below, and a roof terrace on top.
The interior of the new Shala is greatly influenced by Byobu, a Japanese folding screen. Typically depicts a nature scene, Byobu is used to mark divisions within a room. This idea influences the new Shala to use silk roller blinds as a canvas for the setting Western sun to paint a nature scene with shadows of surrounding trees. While not only blocking the harsh sun, the blinds also work with the sun to shine a golden glow into the space during late afternoon yoga sessions. On the opposite side, the painting came to life as a Zen garden completes with low to medium light plants and trees.
