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Butterfly Roof Cabins with Recessed Entry and Natural Materials for Meditation Retreat

Author:
Peter Byrne
Butterfly Roof Cabins with Recessed Entry and Natural Materials for Meditation Retreat
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The folded butterfly roofs and recessed entryways of the meditation cabins, constructed with a blend of zinc and natural materials, create a tranquil environment for wellness and reflection in the Serra de Estrela mountains.
5 key facts about this project
01
Butterfly roof design mimics the natural landscape.
02
Recessed entryways enhance the transition to a meditative space.
03
Each cabin features large windows that frame mountain views.
04
Gardens between cabins maintain privacy and tranquility.
05
Constructed with a focus on integrating with the surrounding environment.

The Vale de Moses Meditation Cabins are located in the Serra de Estrela mountains of central Portugal, providing a peaceful setting for meditation and wellness activities. Set on a stone terrace carved into the hillside, the cabins promote a strong connection between visitors and their natural environment. The design blends traditional forms with modern features, characterized by a folded butterfly roof that mirrors the landscape's gentle slopes. This thoughtful approach enhances the overall experience of those who come here to relax and find tranquility.

Architecture Concept
- The design focuses on engaging with the surroundings. By incorporating shapes that align with the existing stone farmhouses and the valley's contours, the folded butterfly roofs create a connection with the natural features of the site. Each cabin has a recessed entry that guides visitors from the exterior to a more reflective internal space, setting the tone for relaxation.

Spatial Organization
- Inside, the cabins are carefully arranged to include specific areas for changing, treatment, and meditation. The changing room is conveniently located near the entrance, allowing for an easy transition into the calming environment. A service wall provides necessary facilities while keeping distractions to a minimum in the treatment areas, helping to create a peaceful atmosphere.

Materiality and Details
- Materials used in the cabins include white zinc standing seam roofing, lime render on metal lath, timber battens, and tongue and groove cork flooring. These materials are chosen for their durability as well as their visual appeal. Large windows allow natural light to flood the interior while offering beautiful views of the outside landscape, enhancing each guest's meditative experience.

Integration with Nature
- Every cabin features an outdoor deck that encourages activities such as yoga and forest bathing. The gardens designed between the cabins create spaces for privacy while ensuring a sense of calm. This arrangement allows guests to engage with the landscape continually, reinforcing the retreat's focus on health and well-being.

The play of light through large windows and the warmth of textured surfaces inside each cabin create an inviting environment. This thoughtful design fosters a sense of peace and contemplation for all visitors.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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