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Cork and Stone Retreat Nestled in the Valleys for Meditation

Authors:
Dejaune Jennings, Maria Malan, Flavio Coetzee, Andrea van der Walt
Cork and Stone Retreat Nestled in the Valleys for Meditation

Project in-detail

Constructed from local stone and sustainable cork, the meditation cabin offers a serene retreat that intimately connects users with the surrounding valleys, fostering mindfulness and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a core of locally sourced stone for structural stability.
02
Cork is used for interior cladding to enhance acoustics and sustainability.
03
Natural light plays a crucial role through strategically placed openings.
04
Offers a cyclical journey, leading users from darkness to light and back.
05
Incorporates a greywater system to irrigate the surrounding landscape.

The Vale de Moses meditation cabin is located in a scenic landscape that mirrors the natural beauty of the surrounding area. It functions as a space for meditation and reflection, promoting a sustainable lifestyle. The design concept is based on the journey of its users, emphasizing a strong connection between people and the earth. Carefully arranged spaces guide visitors through a series of experiences that support their inner exploration.

Preparation Space

Upon entering, guests find themselves in the Preparation Space, which is marked by darkness and a linear design. This space aims to foster a sense of introspection, allowing individuals to clear their minds as they prepare for the next steps in their journey. A narrow strip of natural light filters down from above, offering subtle guidance and building anticipation for what lies ahead.

Transition Space

Moving forward, visitors enter the Transition Space, where the environment changes significantly. Here, high stone walls create a unique atmosphere where soft natural light mixes with the warm glow of flickering flames. This contrast invites deeper reflection, acting as a threshold for guests before they reach the final part of their experience. The thoughtful interplay of light and texture inspires contemplation and connection.

Liberation Space

The path culminates in the Liberation Space, a spacious area filled with natural light designated for meditation and personal contemplation. This section represents a sense of freedom, facilitating a stronger bond with the natural surroundings. The space encourages openness while still maintaining a connection to the earth. Visitors can engage fully in their practices, experiencing the harmony between light and the environment.

Crafted Elements

Throughout the cabin, a careful selection of materials enhances the overall atmosphere. The sturdy stone core is pivotal for structural support, anchoring the cabin to its landscape. Wood and cork add warmth and comfort, making it inviting. The copper roof contributes a subtle metallic touch, which will change over time, reflecting the cycles of nature.

Natural light streams through strategically placed openings, shaping the interior environment and allowing for proper ventilation. These design aspects combine to create a tranquil atmosphere, where every element works together to strengthen the connection between the users and the surrounding ecosystem.

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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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