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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

Project in-detail

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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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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