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Charred Wooden Shingles and Earth Walls Create a Reflective Sanctuary in the Landscape

Authors:
Thomas Peters, Buse Serbetci, Aksel Kemahlioglu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Earth Walls Create a Reflective Sanctuary in the Landscape

Project in-detail

Using charred wooden shingles and earth walls, the retreat harmonizes with its natural surroundings to create a serene sanctuary for meditation and self-reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to enhance weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Designed with cross-laminated timber panels that provide structural stability while minimizing carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Utilizes earth walls to blend the built environment seamlessly with natural terrain and promote thermal efficiency.
05
Pathways are intentionally designed to guide visitors through a meditative journey, enhancing the retreat experience.
The architectural project known as Vale de Moses is a thoughtfully designed retreat nestled within a serene natural landscape, characterized by rolling hills and verdant foliage. This project serves as a sanctuary for reflection and spiritual growth, effectively creating a harmonious relationship between built structures and the surrounding environment. At its core, Vale de Moses embodies a concept centered on enhancing personal reflection through an interaction with nature, while facilitating a journey toward mindfulness and inner peace.

Functionally, the retreat is designed to accommodate a variety of meditative and introspective practices, providing spaces that cater to individual and group activities. The layout invites guests to traverse a carefully curated pathway that leads them from the bustling external world into an inner sanctum, marking a transition from everyday life into a meditative state. Each element is purposefully positioned to guide the experience of users, from their initial engagement with the landscape to their arrival at central meditation and yoga spaces.

The project is defined by several important architectural elements that contribute to its overall efficacy. The central pathway serves not only as a physical route but also as a metaphorical journey. It is wide enough for groups to walk together while still maintaining a sense of privacy, encouraging conversations and shared experiences among retreat participants.

The visitor experience is further enhanced by the carefully designed enclosed areas. The meditation spaces are delineated with natural materials that create a sense of both intimacy and openness, allowing users to feel connected to their surroundings while also having their personal space respected. These enclosures take advantage of views of the landscape and the interplay of light throughout the day, creating subtle shifts in ambiance that further promote relaxation and contemplation.

The choice of materials plays a significant role in the architectural identity of Vale de Moses. The project features concrete as a primary structural component, offering durability while ensuring that the forms blend seamlessly into the terrain. Wood is prominently used in flooring and furniture, adding warmth and inviting touch that engages visitors’ senses, while earthy materials ground the design in its environment, exemplifying a commitment to sustainability and natural aesthetics.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, particularly in the way architecture is used as a facilitator of spirituality. The pathway encourages a sense of pilgrimage, allowing individuals to step away from their day-to-day routines and engage with a transformative experience. The integration of nature is paramount; the design does not seek to impose but rather to embrace the existing landscape, offering spaces that respond to natural features and promote a sense of belonging within the environment.

Type and placement of openings in the structure are intentional; large windows bring in natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere, while strategically positioned openings ensure that views are framed in ways that lead the eye to the surrounding beauty, enhancing the connection between inside and outside. This thoughtful engagement with the landscape enhances the sensory experience of being at the retreat, fostering a profound relationship with nature.

Vale de Moses stands as a compelling example of how architecture can fulfill deeper human needs for connection, introspection, and peace. The mindful design encourages interaction with both the built environment and nature, making it an exemplary case of modern retreat architecture. For those interested in understanding more about the architectural nuances and thoughtful planning of this project, a deeper exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and designs reveals further insights into the concepts that shaped its realization. Engaging with the architectural ideas presented in Vale de Moses will enrich your understanding of the merging of functionality and aesthetic sensitivity within the realm of retreat design. Explore the project presentation to discover the intricacies that make its architectural narrative compelling.
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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
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