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Cedar Cladding and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Nathan Guillaume, Justine Noulin, Bastien Lion
Cedar Cladding and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with cedar cladding and cross-laminated timber, the retreat immerses visitors in a tranquil environment that encourages meditation and reconnection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation space integrated into a sloped site for enhanced natural interaction.
02
Cedar cladding provides a natural aesthetic that complements the surrounding landscape.
03
Cross-laminated timber construction supports sustainability and structural integrity.
04
Design emphasizes light and shadow to enhance the atmosphere throughout the day.
05
Strategically positioned views create moments of quiet reflection in a serene environment.

The Swirl project, located in the Vale de Moses in Portugal, functions as a spiritual retreat designed for personal reflection and reconnection with nature. The overall design concept focuses on the transition between day and night, creating a setting that encourages calmness and
introspection. This architectural response seeks to blend harmoniously with its surroundings while offering a tranquil escape for users.

Spatial Arrangement

The design includes a large meditation space situated on a gently sloping site, surrounded by tall pine trees. This layout creates a refuge that integrates with the terrain, allowing visitors to feel close to nature. Different areas are arranged to encourage movement and exploration, offering a variety of experiences in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Materiality

Cedar open cladding forms the exterior of the structure, providing an inviting appearance that complements the natural environment. Cross-laminated timber is used in the roof, ensuring stability while contributing to a warm atmosphere. Timber columns are strategically placed to support key structural elements, reinforcing the connection between the building and the landscape.

Environmental Integration

The design enhances the relationship between light and shadow, particularly as the day progresses. Natural features are included throughout the spaces, allowing individuals to connect with their surroundings and creating a peaceful setting conducive to reflection. Views and quiet areas are carefully positioned, contributing to a calming ambiance and inviting users to engage in thoughtful contemplation.

As the evening approaches, the architecture gently embraces visitors, with changing light creating a soothing environment. The attention to how interior spaces relate to the outdoors ensures a mindful experience that supports personal growth and restoration.

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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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