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Clerestory Windows and Terracotta Roof Create Serenity in a Small Meditation Cabin

Author:
Rachel Hamm
Clerestory Windows and Terracotta Roof Create Serenity in a Small Meditation Cabin

Project in-detail

The use of clerestory windows and terracotta roofing enhances natural light within a small meditation cabin designed for wellness in the serene landscape of Portugal.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique bent A-frame design maximizes vertical space and enhances natural light.
02
Clerestory windows reflect light off the roof, creating a serene interior ambiance.
03
Terracotta roofing integrates traditional materials for durability and thermal performance.
04
A central courtyard facilitates communal interaction while preserving privacy.
05
Small lower windows provide indirect light, contributing to a calming atmosphere.

The Nature Within meditation cabin concept is a tranquil architectural response situated in Vale de Moses, Portugal. Designed to create a harmonious space for meditation and wellness, the project emphasizes a connection with the natural landscape. The overall design incorporates a reconstructed A-frame form that maximizes space and allows natural light to flow in, resulting in an environment that supports relaxation and reflection.

Structure and Form
The cabin uses a reconstructed A-frame design, which defines its appearance and enhances interior volume. Extensions and dormers add to the usable space, offering different experiences within the building. The roof's angle serves two purposes: it allows for the placement of solar panels and contributes to a modern silhouette that fits well within its surroundings.

Natural Light and Spatial Ambiance
The interior layout features intentional openings along with a clerestory window. These elements enhance the experience of light throughout the cabin. The design directs light to reflect off surfaces, filling the interior with brightness. Lower windows invite indirect light, creating a peaceful atmosphere suitable for meditation and wellness activities.

Interior Design and Materiality
The cabin includes two dedicated spaces for meditation and massage, arranged around a central courtyard. This setup encourages both privacy and community interaction. The choice of materials aligns with the design philosophy. Plaster and stucco provide smooth surfaces that reflect light effectively, while terracotta roof tiles offer durability and a sense of tradition. The warmth of wood adds a natural touch to the interior, enhancing the connection to the outdoors, and mosaic tiles on the floor add a tactile quality that complements the design.

The design incorporates important details such as the sounds of nature and gentle breezes that enter the rooms. These elements enrich the meditative experience and promote a deep sense of connection to the environment.

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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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