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Cedar Deck Overlooking Green Roofs with Poured Concrete Features in Meditation Cabins

Authors:
Phil Reville, Britt Ambruson
Cedar Deck Overlooking Green Roofs with Poured Concrete Features in Meditation Cabins

Project in-detail

The combination of a cedar deck and green roofs creates a unique approach to sustainable meditation cabins, designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding valley while facilitating mindfulness and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Poured concrete sinks serve as a focal point, merging utility with wellness practices.
02
Rainwater collection systems support plumbing, enhancing sustainability.
03
Cedar slat screens provide privacy while optimizing natural light flow.
04
Green roofs offer thermal insulation and blend the cabins into the landscape.
05
A wraparound cedar deck enables unobstructed valley views for meditation.

The meditation cabins at Vale de Moses are situated at the edge of a valley, creating a peaceful area designed for reflection and mindfulness. As spaces for meditation and relaxation, they embody the idea of "Root to Rise," which emphasizes grounding oneself in nature before engaging in spiritual practices. The design aims to connect the built environment with the natural landscape, enhancing the overall experience for users.

Design Concept

The approach to design integrates the cabins into their surroundings, allowing visitors to move easily from the natural world to a calming internal space. Pathways lined with plant-covered trellises guide guests to the cabins, establishing a calming atmosphere as they prepare for meditation. Natural light plays an important role; skylights bring illumination to the interiors, while large glass doorwalls allow for an open connection with the landscape outside.

Materiality

The cabins feature specific materials that support both their function and their visual appeal. Poured concrete functions as a focal point within each cabin, particularly evident in the central sink that symbolizes cleanliness and the significance of water in wellness routines. The stone walls incorporate local materials, firmly rooting the cabins within their environment and contributing to a unified look. Extensive wood elements enhance the warmth of the spaces, contrasting nicely with the more rigid, structural components.

Sustainability Features

A focus on sustainability is present throughout the design, as illustrated by the inclusion of a rainwater collection system. This system supplies water for uses within the cabins while reinforcing their relationship with the surrounding environment. The green roofs add insulation, which helps moderate internal temperatures and supports ecological awareness. These features align with the retreat's philosophy of mindfulness and connection to nature.

The design culminates in a broad cedar deck that wraps around the cabins, offering unobstructed views of the valley. This outdoor space invites visitors to engage with the natural scenery, promoting a sense of peace and connection to the elements. The layout of both indoor and outdoor spaces enhances the overall experience, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in their environment and find moments of reflection.

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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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