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Burned Pine Integration Enhances Tranquility in Woodland Retreat

Author:
Ana catarina Silva
Burned Pine Integration Enhances Tranquility in Woodland Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating reused burned pine wood alongside expansive glass façades, the retreat creates a tranquil environment that fosters mindfulness while seamlessly blending with the surrounding Portuguese woodlands.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reused burned pine wood addresses local fire issues while minimizing waste.
02
Large glass façades enhance natural light and blur indoor-outdoor boundaries.
03
A communal garden area encourages social interaction among visitors.
04
Seating steps provide flexible space for both individual and group yoga practices.
05
Discreet storage solutions maintain a clean, uncluttered aesthetic throughout.

Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat is a thoughtfully designed space that blends with its surrounding landscape. Located within Portuguese woodlands, the retreat functions as a dedicated site for yoga and personal reflection. The design concept is focused on creating a sense of calm and authenticity, allowing individuals to connect with both nature and themselves.

Design Integration

At Vale de Moses, the building's design is closely tied to its environment. The layout encourages a strong connection to the landscape, bringing in natural light and views of the greenery. By emphasizing this relationship, the design fosters a relaxing atmosphere and promotes introspection.

Materiality

The project incorporates reused slats of burned pine wood, which highlights a conscious effort to address environmental concerns related to local wildfires. By repurposing materials, the design not only reduces waste but also supports sustainability. These wood elements add warmth and character to the space while respecting the ecological context.

Community Space

A key feature of the retreat is the garden area designed for social interaction. Equipped with tables, hammocks, and a circular fire pit, this space encourages guests to connect with each other. The garden is carefully arranged to blend with the natural terrain, creating an inviting atmosphere for communal activities while maintaining a strong link to the landscape.

Interior Ambiance

Inside, large glass panels allow ample natural light to flood the space, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Light pine wood is used throughout the interior, contributing to a peaceful environment. The flexible layout, with descending seating steps, accommodates both individual practices and group sessions. Practical elements, such as a central tea bar and discreet storage, enhance functionality while keeping the space uncluttered.

As daylight gives way to night, the interplay of light and shadow enriches the experience, offering visitors a deeper sense of connection to the architecture and the natural world surrounding Vale de Moses.

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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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