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Charred Wood Shingles and Green Roof Create Harmonious Meditation Retreat in Nature

Author:
Lucas Yatch
Charred Wood Shingles and Green Roof Create Harmonious Meditation Retreat in Nature

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and a living green roof, the meditation retreat seamlessly blends into the landscape while providing a tranquil space for reflection and therapeutic practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates a living green roof to support local biodiversity and thermal insulation.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural performance and reduced carbon footprint.
04
Features a bent A-frame design to maximize interior space while optimizing connection to the landscape.
05
Strategically positioned glazed panels provide panoramic views while maintaining privacy.

The Vale de Moses Meditation Cabin is a thoughtfully designed architectural project located in a serene natural context. It serves as a therapeutic retreat, aimed at providing a peaceful environment for meditation and reflection. The design emphasizes a seamless connection between the building and its surroundings, capturing the essence of tranquility through its materials and layout.

The cabin is constructed primarily using wood as the main structural element and features large glazed panels that enhance the visual connection with the landscape. The integration of a green roof enhances not only the building’s environmental performance but also promotes local biodiversity by blending the structure into the natural setting.

Sustainable design elements are central to the project. Solar panels located on the roof contribute to energy independence, while a rainwater collection system supports self-sufficiency in water use. The architecture employs natural ventilation techniques to maintain comfort without relying solely on mechanical systems, making it efficient in various climatic conditions.

Design Integration and Functionality

What distinguishes the Vale de Moses Meditation Cabin from other architectural projects is its commitment to minimalism and sustainability without compromising functionality. The design process prioritized the creation of open, airy spaces that facilitate relaxation. The deliberate choice of fewer vertical elements in the structure enhances the horizontal flow of the cabin, allowing natural light to penetrate deeper into the interior spaces.

The interior layout is designed to accommodate both individual users and group sessions, providing flexibility in its use. The therapeutic experience is further enhanced by strategically placed openings that frame the views of the surrounding hills and landscapes, promoting a reconnection with nature.

Sustainable Technologies and Materials

A key aspect of the design is the selection of materials that align with the overall sustainability goals. The extensive use of wood, sourced sustainably, as well as recycled and locally sourced materials, reduces the carbon footprint of the construction process. The choice of high-efficiency glazing not only minimizes energy consumption but also ensures occupant comfort through optimal thermal performance.

Additionally, the living roof plays a crucial role in regulating temperature and contributing to the building's energy efficiency. This feature functions as a natural insulator, reduces runoff, and enhances the aesthetic integration of the cabin into the landscape.

The Vale de Moses Meditation Cabin represents a convergence of architecture and nature, offering a purposeful space that fosters mental clarity and emotional healing. For a deeper understanding of its design concepts, architectural plans, sections, and a visualization of the unique architectural ideas can be explored to appreciate the project's full potential and innovative approaches.

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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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