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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

Project in-detail

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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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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