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Cork Flooring and Slatted Panels Create a Tranquil Retreat for Meditation

Authors:
Letícia Costa, Lorena Cerqueira, Luiza Penna, Marcela Chagas
Cork Flooring and Slatted Panels Create a Tranquil Retreat for Meditation

Project in-detail

Drawing inspiration from the Bodhi tree myth, the design incorporates slatted panels and a reflecting pond to create a serene environment that supports yoga and meditation practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflecting pond enhances the immersive experience of nature within the meditation space.
02
Slatted panels provide filtered light while maintaining focus on internal reflection.
03
Timber structure minimizes landscape disruption and promotes natural drainage.
04
Zenith openings increase daylight exposure, creating a calming atmosphere.
05
Cork flooring adds warmth and comfort, connecting users to the natural environment.

The design is located in a quiet valley in central Portugal, where it enhances the practice of yoga and meditation. Its layout creates an environment that encourages people to reconnect with themselves. The overall concept merges nature and built form, guiding visitors through spaces that shift from hidden, contemplative areas to bright, open patios.

Spatial Arrangement and Flow

The space is arranged to lead visitors on a journey. It starts with a narrow, dark corridor that symbolizes introspection before opening up into a sunny patio that invites moments of reflection and tranquility. This flow mirrors the journey people take in yoga, moving from deep personal reflection to a sense of connection with the wider world.



Façade Openings and Light Integration

The design features carefully placed openings in its façade, allowing visitors to engage with the landscape outside. Each room offers unique views that enhance the connection with nature. In the yoga room, slatted panels let in filtered light while focusing attention inward. Natural light also enters through zenith openings and partial glass ceilings, creating a welcoming atmosphere that draws attention to the outdoor environment.



Material Choices and Ecological Considerations

Materials play an important role in the structure. Timber is used for main supports, cork for flooring, and glass to provide clear sightlines. These choices help the building blend into its environment, ensuring minimal impact on the landscape. The timber adds warmth and connects the space to the natural surroundings, while cork contributes to comfort beneathfoot.



The central patio becomes a key area for movement and interaction. It encourages gatherings and shared moments, while its open design fosters a feeling of togetherness. Visitors can experience light and shadow shifting throughout the day, enhancing a calm and reflective setting. The thoughtful arrangement of both structure and space allows for a deeper understanding of the relationship between people, nature, and inner peace.

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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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