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Cork Clad Pods Embracing Meditative Space in Natural Vale

Authors:
Louise Deprins, Thomas Lejeune, Laura Delgado sarmiento, Quentin Romeo
Cork Clad Pods Embracing Meditative Space in Natural Vale

Project in-detail

Elevated rainwater tanks and cork cladding enhance the sustainable design of pods strategically positioned in the Vale de Moses, providing serene spaces for meditation and contemplation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated rainwater collection systems support sustainable water management.
02
Trapezoidal pod shape optimizes internal space while enhancing external aesthetics.
03
Local pine timber and cork oak integrate the pods naturally into the landscape.
04
Cross-ventilation ensures natural airflow and thermal comfort throughout the year.
05
Strategic positioning offers varying landscape views and promotes immersion in nature.

The Samādhi Pod project combines meditation with thoughtful design, located in the peaceful Vale de Moses. The pod serves as a space for contemplation, drawing on ideas from the second chapter of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which emphasize unity and a connection to nature. The design aims to provide an immersive experience, helping occupants engage deeply with their surroundings while practicing mindfulness.

Materials and Structure

Construction is based on low-tech principles, using locally sourced materials to reduce environmental impact. The structural framework is made of pine timber studs, chosen for their strength and lightweight qualities. This choice allows for an efficient construction process while maintaining aesthetic value. The exterior features cork oak sheeting, which functions as both insulation and cladding, enhancing the pod's energy efficiency.

Design and Spatial Experience

Each pod measures 6.40 meters in length, with widths ranging from 5.00 to 2.30 meters, resulting in a trapezoidal shape that optimizes internal space. The arrangement of the pods across the sloped terrain is intentional, providing various views and experiences of the landscape. This layout fosters a connection between the occupants and their natural surroundings, encouraging a deeper engagement with meditation practices.

Environmental Considerations

Water management is crucial in the design, incorporating an elevated rainwater tank for sanitary use and systems for collecting greywater. The structure is designed to allow rainwater runoff underneath, which helps maintain the natural hydrology of the site. This attention to environmental factors reflects a comprehensive approach to sustainable design.

Thermal and Environmental Comfort

Thermal comfort is achieved through natural ventilation, with openings at both ends of the pod allowing air to flow freely. Careful orientation maximizes sunlight exposure throughout the day, enhancing comfort without the need for mechanical heating or cooling. This focus on natural environmental performance contributes to a calm atmosphere, supporting effective meditation.

The design thoughtfully connects structure and nature, encouraging a retreat into personal reflection while harmonizing with the surrounding landscape. Light, form, and material work together to create a peaceful setting that promotes introspection and mindfulness.

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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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