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Arching Cedar Cabins Embracing Sustainable Design in a Natural Landscape

Authors:
Eduardo manuel Ferreira da conceicao, Anna Wentritt
Arching Cedar Cabins Embracing Sustainable Design in a Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Utilizing locally sourced cedar and a distinctive arch design, the retreat seamlessly integrates with the landscape to offer a sustainable haven for yoga and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and views.
02
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability.
03
Features charred wooden shingles that promote durability and fire resistance.
04
Incorporates a greywater management system for sustainable water use.
05
Integrates terraced landscaping that supports local biodiversity and food production.
PineCone Cabin is an architectural project located in Vale de Moses, Portugal, designed primarily as a yoga retreat. This project embodies a thoughtful integration with its natural surroundings, prioritizing sustainability and a communal atmosphere. The architecture features a series of cabins configured to enhance the well-being of their users while maintaining a low environmental impact. Through a blend of modern design principles and local traditions, PineCone Cabin represents a functional space dedicated to wellness and community engagement.

Unique Design Approaches
The PineCone Cabin project employs a modular design strategy that emphasizes flexibility and adaptability. Each cabin is structurally sound, courtesy of locally sourced timber used for the framework, while their roofs are characterized by an arch design that enhances both spatial quality and structural integrity. This form also offers aesthetically pleasing lines that blend with the natural hillside. The interior of each cabin features adjustable elements that cater to various user needs, allowing spaces to transition seamlessly from meditation areas to yoga studios.

Sustainability is embedded in the project’s core, as the design incorporates a rainwater collection system and greywater treatment for irrigation, supporting the landscape surrounding the cabins. Additionally, the use of biodegradable insulation materials, such as hemp, contributes to the eco-friendliness of the construction. The inclusion of solar panels on each cabin allows for energy self-sufficiency, reflecting an innovative approach to building practices that align with contemporary environmental standards.

Architectural Integration with Landscape
The architectural strategy emphasizes its relationship with the surrounding topography in Vale de Moses. Each cabin's placement considers solar orientation to maximize natural light while respecting the contours of the land. Terraced planting around the cabins not only enhances the visual appeal but also fosters a sustainable environment that can produce food for the community. The design incorporates pathways that facilitate movement throughout the site, ensuring access to communal areas and natural features, thus further promoting a sense of connectivity and engagement.

The PineCone Cabin project serves as a model for architecture that harmonizes with its environment through innovative, sustainable design. For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs of PineCone Cabin, further investigation into this project will provide deeper insights into its unique architectural ideas.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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