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Cork and Pine Retreat Integrating Greywater Management in Natural Surroundings

Authors:
Daniel Gómez magide, Adrián López rancaño, Jorge Domínguez moledo
Cork and Pine Retreat Integrating Greywater Management in Natural Surroundings

Project in-detail

Incorporating locally sourced cork and pine, the Yoga retreat features a rainwater management system that emphasizes sustainability while providing a tranquil setting for meditation and practice.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation and sanitation.
02
Utilizes locally sourced cork and pine for environmental sustainability.
03
Features a pathway designed to enhance mental transition into practice.
04
Surrounded by dense greenery, promoting a natural meditative atmosphere.
05
Emphasizes self-sufficiency through passive energy strategies and resource management.

The design located in Val de Moses serves as a Yoga retreat, creating a peaceful place that connects with the natural landscape. The overall idea emphasizes a gentle relationship with the environment, allowing the new building to sit quietly within its surroundings. The intent is to support yoga practices while also enhancing the daily lives of those who use the facility through careful planning and environmental awareness.

Design Concept and Integration

Guided by principles of yoga, the design adopts a process-oriented approach. Each phase of construction is regarded as important and adds to the experience of users. The pathway leading to the Yoga House is designed to help visitors transition from their daily lives into a space for reflection. This pathway meanders through a setting reminiscent of forests, encouraging a sense of calm as individuals prepare for their practice.

Sustainability and Resource Management

Environmental care is a key focus, with strategies in place to reduce overall impact. The design makes use of materials found on-site, respecting the land and its features. Solar energy is harnessed for both light and power needs, while rainwater systems support various functions, including irrigation and sanitation. This approach reflects a strong commitment to self-sufficiency and responsible resource use.

Materiality and Aesthetics

The choice of materials aligns with both ecological and aesthetic goals. The project incorporates cork sourced from the region, along with local pine wood and recycled fibers. These materials create an inviting atmosphere that connects with the natural surroundings. They also work to create a space that is visually pleasing and enhances the experience of those who come to practice yoga.

Spatial Organization and Experience

The planning of the Yoga House emphasizes calmness and contemplation. Spaces are arranged to allow easy movement between practice areas, storage, and relaxation spots, ensuring a functional yet peaceful environment. Surrounding green spaces offer additional opportunities for leisure and interaction with nature, supporting mindfulness.

The roof design features a network of carefully placed beams that help retain warmth while complementing the contours of the land. This detail highlights how the building connects with its environment, reaffirming its role as a quiet retreat dedicated to the practice of yoga.

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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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