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Contemplative Retreat Wrapped in Stone and Azulejos

Authors:
Daniel Torres, James Chaves, Felipe Espitia
Contemplative Retreat Wrapped in Stone and Azulejos

Project in-detail

Crafted from local stone and decorated with intricate Azulejos, the design harmonizes with its forested surroundings to provide a serene space for yoga and mindful practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Local stone integrates seamlessly with the landscape.
02
Intricate Azulejos adorn the structure, reflecting regional craftsmanship.
03
Central pathway enhances movement and connectivity between spaces.
04
Design prioritizes natural light and airflow to improve user experience.
05
Sustainable practices are incorporated throughout, minimizing environmental impact.

Yoga on a Cliff Vale de Moses is located in the picturesque mountains of Portugal, specifically in the green forests of Oleiros Amieria. The design focuses on creating a space for yoga practitioners, connecting the building with its natural surroundings. The main idea is to blend the architecture with the landscape, promoting mindfulness and reflection.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN INITIATIVES

Sustainability is a key goal in the design, aiming to minimize environmental impact while providing a pleasant experience for users. The building’s shape and height are carefully considered to allow natural light and air to flow through the spaces. This design enhances comfort for yoga activities while ensuring that the structure remains in harmony with its surroundings.

SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

The layout is straightforward, featuring a central pathway that connects two main sections of the building. This arrangement allows for easy movement between different areas meant for group activities and personal practice. The design encourages social interaction but also provides spaces for individual reflection, accommodating a variety of needs for visitors.

MATERIALITY

Materials play an important role in the project, with a focus on local sources. Stone, wood, Portuguese roof tiles, and Azulejos are selected to create a connection with the environment. These choices add to the visual appeal of the design while ensuring that the building is durable and aligned with sustainable practices.

The design emphasizes a strong relationship between users and their environment, enhancing the experience of yoga practice. Large windows frame views of the landscape, inviting participants to engage with the natural setting. The integration of these elements fosters a deep sense of peace and focus for all who visit.

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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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