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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create an Eco-Friendly Retreat in Portugal

Authors:
Jakob Czinger, Sara Orbanić, Anna Orbanić
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create an Eco-Friendly Retreat in Portugal

Project in-detail

With charred wooden shingles and natural stone that seamlessly blend into the landscape, the retreat offers a tranquil haven aimed at fostering mindfulness and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a water harvesting system to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
02
Incorporates sliding wooden panels that allow users to adapt the space to their needs.
03
Features a community garden that encourages engagement with nature and healthy living.
04
Designed with a floor heating system that utilizes ground thermal properties for energy efficiency.
05
Integrates locally sourced natural stone to maintain connection with the surrounding landscape.
The Breathing Habitat architectural project is an exploration of how design can harmoniously integrate with its natural surroundings while serving specific functional needs. Set within the serene landscapes of Vale de Moses, the architectural design emphasizes a deep connection to nature, crafting spaces that encourage mindfulness, reflection, and a sense of community. The project represents a contemporary response to the growing demand for spaces that allow for personal well-being and communal interaction, positioning itself succinctly as a retreat that caters to both individual introspection and social gatherings.

Functionally, the project comprises two distinct structures: the Yoga Retreat and the Tea House. The Yoga Retreat is a dedicated space for yoga practices, meditation, and personal contemplation. It is designed to dissolve the boundaries between the interior and exterior, opening fully to the surrounding landscape and enriching the user experience by bringing in natural light and facilitating air circulation. The design includes sliding wooden panels that allow for a customizable space that can be adjusted for privacy or for a more communal atmosphere.

The Tea House serves a dual purpose as both a communal gathering area and a venue for individual reflection. Strategically located on the site, this structure promotes interaction among guests while maintaining a tranquil environment conducive to relaxation. The shared spaces include facilities that support food preparation and an herb garden, encouraging guests to engage with their immediate environment actively and promoting a self-sustaining lifestyle within the retreat.

The unique design approaches of the Breathing Habitat are evident not only in its spatial organization but also in its material choices and sustainable practices. Key materials such as reinforced concrete provide structural integrity while blending seamlessly with the rugged landscape. Wood is abundantly used, particularly for the sliding panels and structural elements, imparting warmth and a tactile relationship between the inhabitants and nature. An innovative canvas roof, lightweight yet durable, is designed to allow natural light to filter through, creating an inviting ambiance while effectively managing rainfall through a water collection system.

The architecture employs natural stones in pathways and landscaping, further connecting the built environment to the natural terrain. This attention to detail signifies a conscious effort to honor the surrounding environment, ensuring that the structures do not disrupt but rather enhance the natural flow of the site. Additionally, a sustainable heating system integrated into the design utilizes the thermal properties of the ground, offering an efficient solution for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures with minimal energy consumption.

Overall, the Breathing Habitat project is a cohesive expression of thoughtful architectural design that prioritizes the well-being of its users and their connection to the environment. It reflects a commitment to sustainability and community, highlighting how architecture can facilitate personal and collective experiences in a meaningful way. For those interested in exploring this architectural project further, detailed insights can be gained by reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and designs that exemplify the key ideas of this retreat.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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