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Burnt Pine Canopy Overlooking a Serene Vale for Mindful Retreats

Author:
Marie-luise Blau
Burnt Pine Canopy Overlooking a Serene Vale for Mindful Retreats
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Set against the backdrop of Serra da Estrela, the retreat uses burnt pine and local slate to create a tranquil space that fosters meditation and wellness amid the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tri Shala incorporates local slate to enhance its integration with the landscape.
02
The use of burnt pine adds warmth and texture, reflecting the natural surroundings.
03
The retreat's layout promotes seamless indoor-outdoor flow for yoga and meditation.
04
Eco-conscious design principles minimize the ecological footprint of the facility.
05
Strategically placed windows frame views of the serene valley and forest.

Tri Shala is located on a mountain terrace overlooking the Vale de Moses in Serra da Estrela. Designed for yoga practice, the retreat embodies a thoughtful concept that integrates atmosphere, space, and function. The setting enhances the experience, encouraging a strong connection between individuals and the natural surroundings.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere of Tri Shala emphasizes a close relationship with nature. The design captures the feel of a wild forest home, promoting peace and calm. Users can engage in meditation and yoga in an environment that supports introspection. The architecture encourages a sense of tranquility, which is essential for personal growth and reflection.

Space

The arrangement of space is carefully designed to support movement and interaction. With a layout that promotes openness, transitions between different areas are smooth and effortless. This thoughtful spatial organization invites users to connect with the landscape, creating a feeling of immersion that enhances their yoga experience.

Function

Tri Shala not only serves as a space for yoga but also focuses on sustainability. The design reflects a commitment to the environment, intending to minimize its ecological impact. By engaging thoughtfully with nature, the retreat makes a statement about the importance of ecological responsibility in modern architecture.

Materials

The building incorporates Portuguese slate and burnt pine wood panels. Slate provides strength and durability, grounding the structure in the landscape. The wood panels add warmth and a tactile quality that resonates with the surrounding forest. This selection of materials enriches the sensory experience, emphasizing the relationship between the retreat and its natural context.

A notable design detail is the way the burnt pine wood panels interact with the sunlight. They filter light softly, creating an inviting atmosphere while echoing the natural textures of the environment.

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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.

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