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Cork-Clad Retreat Integrating Timber and Nature for Holistic Wellness

Authors:
Angie paola Aguilera ortiz, Fanouria Tsamadia, Nikolaos Christopoulos
Cork-Clad Retreat Integrating Timber and Nature for Holistic Wellness

Project in-detail

Constructed with a cork façade and timber structure, this retreat emphasizes sustainability and offers a serene environment for holistic wellness through a seamless connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork façade provides natural insulation and moisture resistance.
02
Timber structure enhances sustainability and minimizes environmental impact.
03
The cabin's design features separate entry and exit points for transformative experiences.
04
Rainwater harvesting system supports off-grid functionality for self-sufficiency.
05
Elevated path connects the cabin with surrounding gardens, intensifying nature interaction.

Stasis Cabin is located in Valle de Moses and serves as a space for holistic healing. The design is built on the idea of "stasis," which means stability and balance. These concepts create a sense of well-being for users. The cabin embodies "vis medicatrix naturae," a principle that emphasizes nature’s role in healing. Through its design and layout, it encourages psychological and physical rejuvenation.

Physical and Psychological Journey

The layout promotes a journey that takes users from physical treatments to meditation. On the ground floor, there are dedicated areas for body treatments, allowing for a smooth transition to the upper floor. Users ascend to a peaceful meditation space, symbolizing a journey of transformation. Separate entry and exit points further highlight this movement from one state of being to another.

User Interaction with Nature

An elevated path connects the cabin to external gardens. This path immerses users in nature before they even enter the building. Inside, the treatment area is adaptable, featuring massage tables and futons that support various healing practices. By integrating with the natural surroundings, the cabin enhances relaxation and mindfulness, deepening the overall experience.

Material Choices and Sustainability

Timber construction is a key component of the design, complemented by a cork façade. This choice offers good thermal and acoustic insulation. Cork is also resistant to mold and suitable for the local climate. Its sustainable nature makes it a practical option.

The upper floor slab is designed to allow natural light to fill the space, creating a bright atmosphere. Roof sides are angled to accommodate solar panels, which provide necessary energy for lighting and cooling. Ceiling fans are used to improve air movement, enhancing comfort without relying on mechanical systems.

Water management is effectively addressed with rainwater harvesting systems. They capture rain for domestic use, while greywater recycling supports irrigation. This approach allows the cabin to function independently from city services. The adjustable foundation helps ensure stability on uneven ground, making the design adaptable to its environment.

The meditation area on the upper floor offers framed views of the surrounding landscape, which contributes to the calming environment. Attention to detail is evident throughout the design. The combination of spatial organization and material choices fosters a connection to nature, supporting the cabin's focus on healing and well-being.

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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
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