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Contemplative Retreats Framed by Retaining Walls and Landscaped Gardens

Author:
Mark Talbot
Contemplative Retreats Framed by Retaining Walls and Landscaped Gardens

Project in-detail

Framed by retaining walls and enhanced by landscaped gardens, the meditation cabins provide unique spaces for reflection and community engagement amidst a rugged Portuguese landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Framed by retaining walls that enhance the landscape's natural contours.
02
Each cabin features distinct interior rooms designed for meditation and community activities.
03
Terraced gardens extend living space outdoors, promoting social interaction.
04
Landscaped pathways connect cabins while providing accessibility for all visitors.
05
Natural light is prioritized through large openings, fostering a calm atmosphere.

The Vale De Moses meditation cabins are situated in a rugged landscape designed to offer spaces for contemplation and community engagement. The project highlights the relationship between architecture and nature, making use of the site's natural features, particularly its retaining walls. Each cabin is uniquely designed to foster introspection while encouraging interaction among visitors.

Design Concept

The central idea is to create distinct yet connected spaces that reflect the existing environment. The retaining walls serve as essential structural elements, forming a framework for the design. These walls contribute to the visual character of the cabins, connecting them with the surrounding landscape and providing a sense of continuity.

Spatial Configuration

Inside each cabin, there are several carefully planned spaces, including a Living Room, Earth Room, and Sky Room. This arrangement maximizes the overall functionality while maintaining a strong connection with the outdoors. The addition of terraced gardens and landscaped areas extends the living environment, promoting community interactions among residents and guests.

Light and Airflow

Natural light and airflow are important aspects of how the cabins are designed. Large windows and well-placed openings let in daylight and encourage ventilation throughout the spaces. The Landscape Room is particularly focused on providing a quiet area for meditation, surrounded by retaining walls that enhance the experience and stability of the space.

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is an important consideration in the design, with features that cater to a variety of visitors. Ramps and wide pathways make movement through the site easy and open for all. The layout of each cabin ensures that everyone can enjoy the spaces without feeling restricted, enhancing the inclusive atmosphere.

The cabins create a strong bond with their natural surroundings, allowing occupants to feel connected to the landscape while finding shelter and peace within their own private spaces. The careful attention to design details fosters a unique experience that encourages both personal reflection and community involvement.

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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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