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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Embrace in Meditation Cabins Designed for Harmonious Integration with Nature

Authors:
Marie Tina Asoh, Fabian Meier, Angela Housermann
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Embrace in Meditation Cabins Designed for Harmonious Integration with Nature
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Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass walls establish a dialogue with the surrounding landscape, creating a tranquil retreat that facilitates meditation and personal reflection in Vale de Moses, Portugal.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while creating a textured exterior.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural stability and aesthetic warmth.
03
Expansive glass walls maximize natural light and integrate the interiors with the landscape.
04
A bent A-frame design allows for unique spatial organization and improved thermal performance.
05
The design incorporates local stone to blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment.

The Vale de Moses Meditation Cabins project is an architectural endeavor located in the serene landscape of Vale de Moses, Portugal. It consists of three meditation cabins designed to extend a retreat center, focusing on creating spaces that promote relaxation and mindfulness. The project harmonizes with the natural environment, emphasizing a deep connection between the built structures and the surrounding landscape.

The primary function of these cabins is to serve as tranquil spaces for meditation and personal reflection. Each cabin is strategically positioned to maximize views of the valley and nearby hills, utilizing the landscape's natural beauty to enhance the user experience. The architecture embodies simplicity and sustainability, aligning with contemporary practices that prioritize ecological consciousness.

One of the unique aspects of the design is the integration of organic materials that echo the traditional styles of Japanese architecture. The extensive use of wood creates a warm ambiance, while large glass windows facilitate the flow of natural light and provide unobstructed vistas. This thoughtful approach to material selection not only fosters comfort but also accentuates the connection to nature, making the experience more immersive.

The cabins employ an adaptable foundation system that responds to the variability of the local terrain. This flexibility ensures stability while allowing for minimal disruption to the natural landscape. The architectural design also incorporates sliding doors that extend living spaces into the outdoors, further blurring the line between interior and exterior environments.

The project incorporates elements of local flora, specifically aromatic plants such as lavender and citrus trees. This integration enhances the sensory experience for visitors and reflects an emphasis on biophilic design—encouraging occupants to engage with the local ecosystem uniquely.

The Vale de Moses Meditation Cabins stand out in their commitment to cultural resonance and environmental integration. By focusing on simplicity and ecological sustainability, this project showcases innovative design methodologies that align with contemporary architectural standards.

For a deeper understanding of how these architectural ideas come together within the Vale de Moses Meditation Cabins, including architectural plans, sections, and specific design elements, consider exploring the project presentation further. The insights gained from the architectural designs will enhance comprehension of the thoughtful approach that defines this project.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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