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Ascending Spiral Retreat with Cross-Laminated Timber and Natural Wood Elements

Authors:
David Král, Ondřej Kurečka, Martin Kovář
Ascending Spiral Retreat with Cross-Laminated Timber and Natural Wood Elements

Project in-detail

With an ascending spiral design that integrates the surrounding sloping terrain and utilizes cross-laminated timber, the retreat offers a tranquil space for wellness and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Ascending spiral layout encourages natural movement and exploration.
02
Cross-laminated timber construction enhances sustainability and structural integrity.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and aesthetic warmth.
04
Design incorporates meditation rooms with expansive views of the landscape.
05
Building footprint adapts to the sloping terrain for minimal environmental impact.

Vale de Moses is located in a landscape marked by its gentle hills, providing a unique setting for a center focused on wellness and personal growth. The center's design is centered around the concept of an ascending spiral, which represents the journey individuals take toward spiritual and physical enhancement. As visitors navigate through the space, they engage in various activities, including yoga and meditation, that promote self-discovery and connection with nature.

Architectural Concept

The layout of Vale de Moses consists of pathways that guide users through distinct stages of their experience. The spiral design encourages movement, leading individuals from their initial arrival to deeper exploration of their inner selves. Each space is purposefully arranged to foster a calm atmosphere, allowing users to connect with both their surroundings and their own thoughts. The flow of the design facilitates personal growth while emphasizing the importance of a tranquil environment.

Spatial Organization

Accommodation areas are thoughtfully positioned to provide a welcoming start for visitors. These spaces allow guests to relax and settle in before engaging with the center's offerings. Following this initial phase, the design features areas for insight and reflection, focusing on meditation and personal exploration. Each of these designated spaces enhances the overall experience and encourages individuals to reflect on their well-being and the world around them.

Materiality and Sustainability

Materials selected for Vale de Moses reflect a focus on sustainability and a thoughtful relationship with the environment. Elements such as wooden shingles, wood battens, and cross-laminated timber wall panels are used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These materials are chosen not only for their durability but also for their ability to blend harmoniously with the natural landscape, enhancing visitors' experience while creating a responsible built environment.

Design Outcome

The expansion of the yoga center introduces new facilities that broaden the opportunities for community interaction while maintaining a consistent visual language. The design carefully considers the relationship between spaces to promote connection among guests. Every aspect—from the layout to the choice of materials—supports the goal of fostering wellness. Attention to detail is evident in the terrace area, which offers wide views of the surrounding landscape, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on their journey amidst 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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