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Charred Wood Cladding and Natural Ventilation in a Valley Retreat

Authors:
Tânia Cabrita, Manuel Louro
Charred Wood Cladding and Natural Ventilation in a Valley Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood cladding for durability and aesthetic integration, the design enhances natural ventilation while providing a tranquil setting for a retreat in a secluded valley.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes the Shou Sugi Ban technique for wood protection and aesthetics.
02
Features strategic cabin placement among existing trees to enhance privacy.
03
Incorporates gray water filtration systems for sustainable water management.
04
Design maximizes natural light exposure, particularly at sunset.
05
Promotes natural ventilation for improved indoor air quality without mechanical systems.

Vale de Moses is located in a secluded valley with steep mountain slopes and abundant vegetation, providing a retreat designed for connecting with the natural world. Near the tributary of the River Zezere, the site features several sleeping cabins that promote engagement with the environment. The design concept focuses on the relationship between building and nature, aiming to enhance well-being and emotional health for those who stay there.

Conceptual Integration
The design fosters a close relationship between residents and nature. Sleeping cabins are placed among existing trees, providing privacy while remaining in harmony with the landscape. This strategic arrangement allows visitors to interact directly with their surroundings, preserving the ecosystem as much as possible.

Architectural Form
Cabin designs reflect the natural contours of the site. Their shapes and rooflines echo the landscape, contributing to a unified visual identity. The layout maximizes natural light, especially during sunset, creating a warm atmosphere that connects occupants to the rhythms of nature.

Sustainability Features
Sustainability is a key aspect of the design. The project includes systems for rainwater collection and gray water treatment to encourage careful water management. Natural ventilation methods improve indoor air quality and comfort, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. These features help to limit the overall environmental impact of the project.

Materials and Finishes
Wood is the main material used in the cabins, aligning with the surrounding environment. The exterior wood cladding is treated using the Shou Sugi Ban technique, which increases its durability and decreases maintenance needs. This choice of material not only serves practical functions but also enhances the tranquil aesthetic, helping visitors feel more at home in nature.

Inside the cabins, the design promotes a peaceful atmosphere. Natural light and sounds from the outside come in freely, allowing for a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

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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

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