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Cork Cabins Embracing Nature for Tranquil Meditation Spaces

Authors:
Adam Casey, Max Lewis
Cork Cabins Embracing Nature for Tranquil Meditation Spaces

Project in-detail

Crafted from locally sourced cork, the meditation cabins offer a quiet sanctuary in Portugal's landscape, combining function and sustainability to create serene spaces for reflection and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork serves as the primary material, enhancing thermal insulation and sustainability.
02
Each cabin features a simple cubic design optimized for efficient prefabrication.
03
Tall skylights are strategically placed to maximize natural light and enhance ambiance.
04
Private gardens between cabins promote individual reflection and connection with nature.
05
Designed to blend seamlessly into the Portuguese landscape, enhancing the overall experience.

The Vale de Moses Meditation Cabins are located in the tranquil landscape of Portugal, designed to provide a peaceful environment for meditation and self-reflection. The project focuses on merging ancient meditation traditions from the Far East with a contemporary building form. The cabins have a distinct sculptural quality, achieving a balance with nature while promoting calm and introspection.

Materials and Sustainability

Cork is the main building material, chosen for its benefits and availability in Portugal. Known for its excellent thermal and acoustic properties, cork suits spaces dedicated to meditation. Its non-allergenic and anti-fungal characteristics enhance indoor air quality, making the environment healthier. Using cork reflects a larger goal of sustainability, as it is renewable and biodegradable, minimizing environmental impact.

Spatial Organization

The cabins have a cubic shape, strategically arranged to ensure privacy for meditation while allowing occupants to enjoy stunning valley views. Each cabin provides a secluded space where users can focus on personal reflection. Private garden areas are positioned between the cabins, enriching the meditative experience and inviting occupants to connect with their surroundings.

Natural Light and Ambiance

Tall skylights with pitched ceilings bring natural light into each cabin. This design choice creates interesting patterns of light and shadow throughout the interior, contributing to a calm and serene atmosphere. The integration of light echoes traditional designs found in meditation spaces around the world, reinforcing the objective of creating a soothing environment.

Architectural Detail

The cabins are easy to assemble due to their prefabricated design. A simple trench foundation offers a stable base, with cork components designed for straightforward on-site installation. The stacking of these natural materials introduces a warm texture to the buildings. Shared garden spaces include seating areas that foster interaction among users, balancing individual solitude with the joy of community.

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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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