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Charred Pine Cabins Embracing Valley Views for Mindful Meditation

Author:
Simon rode Gregersen
Charred Pine Cabins Embracing Valley Views for Mindful Meditation

Project in-detail

With a unique design utilizing charred pine and an angled plan that frames stunning valley views, the cabins create a tranquil environment for meditation and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins are designed with an 80 cm grid structure to enhance spatial functionality.
02
Charred pine wood exterior provides weather resistance and a minimalist aesthetic.
03
Three distinct window orientations ensure varied valley views throughout the day.
04
Interior layout includes a continuous bench for both seating and storage.
05
Outdoor meditation plateaus extend the peaceful experience into nature.

The Vale de Moses Meditation Cabins sit on a slope overlooking a beautiful valley. Designed to be a meditative retreat, the cabins foster a strong connection with the natural landscape. The concept revolves around framing the views of the valley, allowing guests to engage with their surroundings while promoting relaxation and reflection.

Architectural Configuration

The cabins are built using an 80 cm grid structure and feature an angled plan that includes a door and three windows oriented toward the valley. This thoughtful design enhances the shape of the cabins while maximizing natural light and panoramic views. The extended windows create a sheltered yet inviting space, encouraging introspection and quiet thought.

Interior Layout

Inside, the cabins are designed for comfort and practicality. The central area is allocated for a massage table, surrounded by a continuous bench. This arrangement serves multiple functions: it provides seating for meditation and storage for treatment supplies. By focusing on functionality, the layout enhances the overall user experience, aligning perfectly with the retreat's purpose.

Material Choices

The exterior of the cabins is clad in charred pine wood, selected for its durability and visual appeal. The dark wood stands in contrast to the natural surroundings and offers protection from the elements. Inside, the use of exposed wooden beams and plywood walls adds warmth and creates a sense of being close to nature, inviting guests to connect with their environment.

Sustainability Considerations

Sustainability plays a key role in the design. The wooden construction allows for easy disassembly and relocation, which minimizes the impact on the landscape. Each cabin rests on a movable foundation system, ensuring that the natural terrain remains mostly intact. This approach emphasizes the importance of coexisting with nature.

Around the cabins, outdoor meditation plateaus extend the space available for quiet contemplation. These areas foster a deeper connection with the landscape, inviting guests to experience the beauty of the valley. With careful design choices, the Vale de Moses Meditation Cabins encourage reflection and harmony with the surrounding environment.

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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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