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Cork-Insulated Retreat Elevated Above Natural Landscapes

Author:
Wei Yu
Cork-Insulated Retreat Elevated Above Natural Landscapes

Project in-detail

Elevated on posts to minimize site disruption and utilizing locally sourced Xisto stone, this retreat harmonizes with the Serra de Estrela landscape while providing a dedicated space for well-being and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes environmental impact by preserving natural water flow.
02
Utilizes local Xisto stone to reflect regional architectural heritage.
03
Main yoga hall offers expansive views of Serra de Estrela mountains.
04
Cork insulation enhances energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
05
Outdoor Zen Garden promotes mindfulness and connection to nature.

Vale de Moses is a well-being retreat located in the beautiful Serra de Estrela mountain valley near Oleiros, Portugal. The design focuses on connecting the built environment with nature, creating a space that encourages relaxation, mindfulness, and community. By embracing sustainability, the retreat provides an environment that promotes health and self-reflection for its visitors.

Building Design

The retreat features raised structures that are supported by posts, allowing them to stand above the ground. This design decision reduces disruption to the landscape and allows natural water flow, helping to maintain the area's ecological balance. The layout of the spaces is organized around a central area, which makes it easy for guests to move around and interact with one another.

Interior Spaces

A prominent feature of the retreat is the main yoga hall. This space has large windows that provide sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The hall is designed to enhance the experience of users, filling the room with natural light and fresh air. Nearby, a kitchenette opens up to the outside, ensuring that guests feel connected to nature even while inside.

Materials and Sustainability

Local materials play an important role in the retreat’s design, showcasing a commitment to the environment. The original cottages are built with local Xisto stone, which reflects the area’s heritage. The use of cork-insulated roofing helps with energy efficiency, while sustainably sourced hardwood adds strength and beauty to the building. Together, these material choices support the retreat's aim of blending in with its natural surroundings.

Design Detail

An inviting aspect of the retreat is the outdoor Zen Garden. This space encourages guests to engage with nature while fostering mindfulness. The garden serves as a peaceful area for meditation and quiet reflection, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the environment and enhance their overall experience at Vale de Moses.

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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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