Yin and the Yang of Prefab Round Houses

Harmonious living – Prefab Round Houses! Explore how Yin and Yang design principles create a balanced, sustainable, and beautiful home.

In the quest for the perfect living space, balance is the key. This balance is beautifully captured in the ancient Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang, which emphasizes the duality of opposing yet complementary forces. In the context of home design, these forces manifest as the times and places where we seek connection and activity (Yang) and the moments and spaces where we crave quiet and privacy (Yin). We design and build each of our Mandala Custom Homes (MCH) Prefab Round Houses with this balance in mind. Our unique and sustainable homes offer an environment that nurtures both the active and restful aspects of our lives.

Understanding Yin and Yang in Home Design

In any home, the interplay of Yin and Yang creates harmony. Yang represents the spaces and moments in our lives that are open, energetic, and social. These are the places where we gather with family, entertain guests, and engage in lively activities. In contrast, Yin embodies the quiet, intimate, and introverted areas of the home where we retreat for rest, renewal, and reflection. Both aspects are essential for a balanced life, and a well-designed home will thoughtfully incorporate spaces that cater to both.

Yang Attributes:

  • Open
  • Energetic
  • Active
  • Social
  • Warm
  • The colour yellow
  • Masculine

Yin Attributes:

  • Quiet
  • Dark
  • Intimate
  • Introverted
  • Rest, renewal, retreat
  • Cool
  • The colours blue and purple
  • Feminine

As we plan any of our prefab round houses, we often stop to ask, “Where are the Yin places?” and “Where are the Yang places?” Identifying these areas helps us create a home that offers the right balance of connection and solitude, energy and rest – fundamentals in our homebuilding philosophy.

Designing with Yang in Mind: Open and Energetic Spaces

Yang spaces are those that thrive on activity and connection. In MCH prefab round houses, these are often the areas where the circular design encourages flow and openness. The round shape naturally invites a sense of togetherness, making it ideal for spaces like the great room, kitchen, and living room—areas that are the heart of social interaction.

Common Yang Places:

  • Great Room: This is the home’s central hub, where the open floor plan allows for easy movement and interaction. It’s a space where energy flows freely, perfect for family gatherings and social events.
  • Kitchen: The kitchen is a dynamic space where meals are prepared and shared. Its open layout promotes a social atmosphere, making it a lively Yang space.
  • Living Room: Connected to the great room, the living room is another Yang area where comfort and socializing go hand in hand. It’s a warm, inviting space that encourages connection.
  • Dining Room: A space designed for communal meals, the dining room is where the family comes together to share their day, embodying the essence of Yang.

These Yang spaces benefit from natural light, vibrant colours like yellow, and a design that encourages social interaction. They are the warm, active areas of the home where life is lived to the fullest.

Embracing Yin: Quiet and Intimate Retreats

Just as we need spaces for connection, we also need places for retreat—where we can escape the busyness of life and find peace and renewal. In our prefab round houses, we design the Yin spaces with privacy and tranquillity in mind. The circular walls create a cocoon-like effect, offering shelter and solace.

Common Yin Places:

  • Bedrooms: The ultimate Yin space, the bedroom is a sanctuary for rest and renewal. Soft lighting, cool colours like blues and purples, and a location on the north side of the home make it a perfect retreat.
  • Bathrooms: Often quiet and private, bathrooms are places for introspection and self-care. Their intimate nature aligns with the Yin attributes of stillness and retreat.
  • North Side: The north side of the home receives less direct sunlight and is naturally cooler and quieter, making it ideal for Yin spaces like studies or meditation rooms.
  • Basement: Traditionally a space of retreat and introspection, basements are the epitome of Yin. They offer a cool, dark, and quiet environment perfect for a study, home theatre, or private retreat.
  • Study: A study or home office is another Yin space designed for focused, solitary work. It’s a place of quiet concentration where introversion and reflection are encouraged.

These Yin spaces are characterized by a sense of calm, with design elements that promote relaxation and introspection. They are the cool, quiet corners of the home where one can retreat from the world and recharge.

Achieving Balance in A Prefab Round House

The true beauty of Mandala Custom Homes’ Prefab Round Houses lies in their ability to balance these Yin and Yang elements. The circular design symbolises unity and wholeness, allowing for a harmonious flow between spaces. By thoughtfully placing Yin and Yang areas throughout the home, we create an environment that supports both active living and restful retreats.

When planning your home, consider how these spaces interact. For example, placing a great room adjacent to a quiet study allows for a seamless transition from social interaction to private reflection. Similarly, locating bedrooms on the north side and living spaces on the south side of the home can enhance the natural flow of energy, aligning with the principles of Yin and Yang.

Creating a Harmonious Home

Incorporating the principles of Yin and Yang into a prefab round house design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a living space that nurtures every aspect of your life. We craft homes that truly support your well-being by balancing open, energetic Yang spaces with quiet, intimate Yin retreats.

MCH understands the importance of this balance, offering designs that reflect both the need for connection and the necessity of retreat. In a prefab round house, you’ll find the perfect blend of spaces that allow you to thrive in both the active and restful moments of life.

Interested in more information about the benefits of a holistic prefab round house? We’d love to talk to you! GET IN TOUCH!