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Adobe and Tapial Retreat Embracing Andean Traditions for Community Wellness

Author:
Renee giovanna Martinez malarin
Adobe and Tapial Retreat Embracing Andean Traditions for Community Wellness

Project in-detail

Constructed with adobe and tapial, this retreat harmonizes with Andean cultural traditions to create a serene space for community wellness and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation room designed to promote mindfulness with natural light and ventilation.
02
Built using local adobe and tapial, enhancing thermal performance and sustainability.
03
Irrigation channels reflect traditional Andean agricultural practices, connecting architecture with landscape.
04
Covered entrance provides a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments.
05
Community gathering spaces encourage social interaction and communal wellness activities.

Earth Energies Sanctuary Wellness Retreat is located in a landscape characterized by its natural beauty and rich cultural history. The space is designed to promote wellness for the body, mind, and spirit, drawing inspiration from the ceremonial centers of pre-Incan cultures. The project emphasizes a connection with nature, creating an environment where individuals can reflect, engage with the community, and find spiritual renewal.

Conceptual Framework

The design centers around a meditation room measuring 25 m², serving as a core space for contemplation. A covered entrance of 5 m² aids in making an inviting transition into the sanctuary. The overall area totals 30 m², with height specifications varying from 2.5 m to 4.5 m. This variation in height contributes to the feeling of openness and spaciousness throughout the interior areas.

Spatial Dynamics

Natural light plays a crucial role in the design, supporting a healthy indoor atmosphere. The strategic placement of windows and doors fosters a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. This setup allows the interior to accommodate seasonal changes, making the space useful and comfortable in both summer and winter.

Material Utilization

The project emphasizes the use of local materials, reflecting an awareness of ecological balance and environmental integration. Local stone and concrete are preferred for structural components, while adobe or tapial walls, with a thickness of 50 cm, aid in temperature regulation and visually blend with the natural surroundings. Roofs and terrace structures are proposed to be made from galvanized iron and wood, ensuring durability and versatility year-round.

Functional Features

Incorporating built-in furniture enhances the communal experience of the sanctuary, promoting interaction among visitors. Elements like rustic wooden tables and tree trunk benches offer practical and aesthetic value. The design also includes irrigation channels inspired by traditional Andean methods, strengthening the connection between the constructed space and the natural environment.

The result is a meditation area that immerses users in the tranquility of the landscape, encouraging a deep sense of peace and connection to nature.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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