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Board-Formed Concrete Integration in a Nature-Connected Wellness Space

Authors:
Brenden Wohltjen, Daniel Matthews
Board-Formed Concrete Integration in a Nature-Connected Wellness Space

Project in-detail

Cantilevering from a hillside, the long yoga and healing space integrates board-formed concrete with lush wild vegetation, creating a serene environment that emphasizes wellness and community connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Two volumes are sunken into the hillside to minimize visual impact.
02
The yoga/healing space features a cantilevered design over the forest.
03
A central retention pond supports local biodiversity and passive cooling.
04
Wild vegetation is integrated into the layout, softening architectural lines.
05
Operable partitions allow for flexible use of spaces throughout the building.

The project "Vinyasa," located in Vale de Moses, showcases a thoughtful approach to wellness and nature. Its design integrates a series of single-story buildings, arranged to foster a sense of awareness among users. The overall concept highlights the importance of engagement with the surroundings, encouraging individuals to explore both the indoor spaces and the natural landscape.

Spatial Organization

The layout consists of a pinwheel configuration, with structures centered around a courtyard. This arrangement facilitates movement and interaction while keeping a visual connection among the buildings. Two of the structures are built with board-formed concrete and are partially buried in the hillside. This design choice lessens their visual impact on the site and allows the buildings to blend into the natural scenery.

Structural Highlights

A long yoga/healing volume extends from the hillside, offering views of the surrounding pine trees. This layout enhances the connection to nature, allowing users to feel immersed in the tranquil environment. The elongated shape of the structure accommodates various wellness activities, making it a central element of the overall design.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a key focus of the project, evident in the choice of materials and design strategies. Board-formed concrete and pine cladding form a cohesive look while also supporting eco-friendly goals. A central retention pond and ample gardening areas integrate into the site, helping to promote biodiversity and ecological balance. These elements aid in cooling the buildings passively, aligning with the project's environmental objectives.

Adaptability of Space

Flexibility is important in the design, as operable doors and partitions allow spaces to change based on the needs of users. This adaptability makes it possible for the spaces to host a variety of activities. From yoga sessions to communal events, the environment can shift to accommodate different functions, enhancing the overall user experience.

Wild vegetation grows around and between the buildings, softening the architecture's clean lines and creating a natural connection with the landscape. This design detail enriches the experience for people using the space while nurturing local biodiversity.

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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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