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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Integration in a Mindfulness Retreat

Authors:
Guillermo Garcia hernandez, César Villegas
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Integration in a Mindfulness Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and natural stone, the design creates a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape, offering a tranquil space dedicated to mindfulness and yoga practice.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and airy interior spaces.
04
Integrates a rainwater harvesting system to promote environmental sustainability.
05
Surrounded by native landscaping to reinforce the connection between the structure and its natural environment.

The "Olho de Água" project is an architectural design focused on creating a retreat space dedicated to yoga and mindfulness. Situated in a mountainous landscape, this facility emphasizes a deep connection with nature, allowing visitors to engage in wellness practices while being immersed in a tranquil environment. The architectural design integrates with the topography, providing serene views and an atmosphere conducive to reflection and personal growth.

Unique to this project is the thoughtful interplay between built and natural elements. The structure features a long, horizontal form that aligns with the slope of the terrain, enhancing the building's visual coherence with its surroundings. Large expanses of glass facilitate natural light and facilitate indoor-outdoor interaction, blurring the boundaries between the spaces. This engagement with nature is a central theme of the project, promoting a holistic experience for users seeking refuge from urban life.

One distinguishing feature of the "Olho de Água" project is its sustainable approach. The use of renewable energy systems, including wind turbines, illustrates a commitment to environmental responsibility. Furthermore, the building incorporates rainwater harvesting and a natural waterproofing layer to minimize its ecological impact. This functionality not only supports the building's operational needs but reinforces its position as a model for sustainable architectural practices.

Interior spaces reflect an adaptable design. The main yoga studio is spacious, allowing for various configurations tailored to different activities, whether for group classes or individual sessions. The emphasis on flexible layouts promotes interaction among users, facilitating community building within the serene backdrop. By using a natural palette of materials, including wood, stone, and ceramics, the design achieves an inviting atmosphere that resonates with the surrounding landscape.

For those keen to explore the full scope of the "Olho de Água" project, including detailed architectural plans and sections, further insights into architectural ideas and designs are available for review. Understanding the meticulous design processes that led to this unique architectural undertaking can provide valuable context and appreciation for the integration of wellness and sustainability in contemporary architecture.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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