Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wood Cabins Seamlessly Integrated Into Forest Landscape

Author:
Grégoire Rossignol
Charred Wood Cabins Seamlessly Integrated Into Forest Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wood and designed for adaptability, these cabins blend seamlessly into the forest while providing a serene retreat for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wood for exterior cladding, enhancing durability and aesthetics while minimizing maintenance.
02
Features large, movable walls that allow occupants to easily reconfigure interior spaces for various activities.
03
Incorporates cork flooring for a sustainable, comfortable, and acoustically pleasant indoor environment.
04
Offers an accessible rooftop designed for stargazing, promoting a deeper connection with nature.
05
Strategically positioned to blend with the forest edge, reducing visual impact while maximizing natural views.
The Vale de Moses Meditation Cabins represent a thoughtful intersection of architecture and nature, designed to provide a tranquil space for meditation and introspection. Nestled in a picturesque, forested landscape, this architectural project emphasizes natural materials and harmonious design, catering to those seeking a serene retreat from the pace of modern life. By focusing on simplicity and functionality, the cabins serve dual purposes, enabling users to engage deeply with their surroundings while also providing comfort and privacy.

At the heart of the project lies a foundational concept that utilizes a dual-square configuration. This architectural choice creates a distinct separation between communal and private areas within the cabin. The primary square serves as the overall footprint of the cabin, while the smaller inner square accommodates essential living functions such as sleeping, bathing, and dining. This layout allows for an efficient use of space while nurturing a sense of connection to the natural world outside. The architecture of the cabins is characterized by expansive glazing, ensuring ample natural light floods the interior and offering unobstructed views of the landscape. This connection to the outdoors is further enhanced by the use of large glass panels that allow for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments.

The careful selection of materials is vital to the project's ethos. Prominent among these is burned wood, which serves as the primary cladding for the exterior walls. This material not only provides a visually warm aesthetic but also requires minimal maintenance and is built to endure the elements. The structural components, including wooden beams and poles, reinforce the emphasis on natural building materials, highlighting the project's commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. Extended use of concrete for the foundation ensures durability and stability across the varying topography of the site.

A noteworthy aspect of the Vale de Moses cabins is the incorporation of movable walls. This innovative design approach allows for flexible spatial configurations, enabling occupants to adjust the layout to meet diverse needs—be it transforming a communal area into a more intimate retreat or creating larger spaces for group activities. The design maximizes user adaptability, aligning with contemporary trends in architecture that prioritize personalized experiences.

The roofs of the cabins are accessible, affording occupants panoramic views of the surrounding natural environment. This feature not only promotes engagement with the landscape but also serves a practical purpose by allowing stargazing on clear nights. By prioritizing such elements, the design invites a profound appreciation for the beauty of the environment and encourages relaxation.

Throughout the design process, the architects have taken care to integrate the cabins into their surroundings, minimizing their visual footprint to preserve the natural landscape. The synergy between the dark, textured surfaces of the burned wood and the lighter, airy components creates a balanced aesthetic that is both calming and inviting. The use of sustainable materials such as cork flooring enhances the overall experience, offering a warm underfoot feeling while contributing to the environmentally conscious narrative of the project.

The Vale de Moses Meditation Cabins serve not only as a retreat but as a reflection of contemporary architectural values that prioritize sustainability, adaptability, and a deep connection with nature. Through its architectural design, the project illustrates how thoughtful planning and material choices can foster environments that promote mindfulness and tranquility. For those interested in a deeper understanding of this architectural endeavor, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas can provide additional insight into the project’s thoughtful execution and intention.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy