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Charred Wood Facade and Cross Laminated Timber in a Valley Retreat

Author:
Igor Leal
Charred Wood Facade and Cross Laminated Timber in a Valley Retreat

Project in-detail

The use of charred wood for the exterior and Cross Laminated Timber for the structure creates a distinctive meditation cabin that integrates seamlessly into its valley setting while emphasizing sustainable practices and flexible wellness functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin's exterior is clad in charred wood, enhancing durability and weather resistance.
02
Designed in a megaphone shape to amplify views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Features a grey water reuse system for sustainable irrigation practices.
04
Interior can adapt for multiple wellness activities, like meditation and massage.
05
Constructed primarily from Cross Laminated Timber for structural efficiency.

Moses Dog is a meditation and treatment cabin designed to strengthen the connection between users and the natural surroundings. Located in a valley, this cabin serves as a space for reflection and wellness. The overall concept emphasizes creating an immersive experience that enhances both visual and auditory interactions with nature, allowing users to appreciate the landscape fully.

Design Concept

The cabin's form resembles a megaphone, featuring a suspended box with an enlarged frontal facade. This triangular shape improves the field of vision and integrates with the valley's contours. Such a design encourages users to engage actively with their surroundings, highlighting the relationship between the structure and the natural environment.

Materiality

Construction begins with concrete footings that provide a solid foundation and is supported by a metallic structure. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is used for the cabin, offering strength while promoting sustainability. The exterior is finished with charred wood, which offers durability and thermal comfort, aligning with modern environmental considerations.

Interior Configuration

Inside, the cabin is designed for flexibility, accommodating both treatment and relaxation. A central massage bed allows for practice while leaving room for movement. When not in use for treatments, the space can easily adapt for meditation or yoga, supporting a broad approach to well-being.

Sustainability Features

A grey water reuse system directs wastewater from treatments to a buried tank for garden irrigation, showcasing a commitment to environmental responsibility. Large glass windows frame the view, enhancing the connection to the outdoors and providing natural light, which is essential for creating a calming atmosphere.

The charred wood finish on the exterior adds visual depth while protecting the structure from the weather, promoting harmony with the 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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