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Cork Insulation and Lusitanica Oak Create a Tranquil Yoga Retreat

Authors:
Sizhe Chen, David Bell, Jesus Sanchez, Isabelle Ndoumy-Kouakou
Cork Insulation and Lusitanica Oak Create a Tranquil Yoga Retreat

Project in-detail

A skylight allows celestial connection in a structure built with cork insulation and Lusitanica oak, creating a serene environment ideal for yoga and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
A pulley system transports items between floors, enhancing accessibility while maintaining tranquility.
02
Cork insulation provides effective thermal comfort and energy efficiency tailored for the warm climate.
03
A skylight integrates celestial viewing, fostering mindfulness in a serene environment.
04
Lusitanica oak framing combines structural strength with aesthetic warmth throughout the retreat.
05
Operable window panels allow for adjustable airflow while ensuring privacy during routines.

"Corpo Mente Alma" is located in Portugal and serves as a yoga retreat that emphasizes the connection between the body, mind, and soul. The design creates a space for visitors to step away from daily routines and engage in a deeper exploration of self. With a focus on natural elements and thoughtful spatial arrangement, the concept seeks to foster personal growth and mindfulness.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the retreat clearly defines areas dedicated to physical activity, mental focus, and spiritual reflection. The ground floor provides a practical setting for everyday functions, allowing easy movement between spaces. This organization enhances the user experience, making it straightforward for visitors to interact with the environment.

The upper floor is designed as a sanctuary for mental clarity, featuring an open plan that invites natural light and encourages contemplation. Free of clutter, this space helps users concentrate on their thoughts while enjoying views of the natural landscape. The orientation of the upper floor draws visitors into a closer relationship with their surroundings, supporting a deeper practice of mindfulness.

Innovative Features

A skylight is a central feature of the cabin, allowing users to look up at the stars and experience a sense of spiritual connection. This element adds to the overall atmosphere of the retreat, creating moments of reflection and peace.

A pulley system facilitates the movement of items between the ground and upper levels, ensuring that access remains easy without disrupting the serene environment. Operable window panels enhance both privacy and airflow, key factors in maintaining comfort in the warm climate.

Material Selection

The project utilizes cork insulation in the walls, contributing to thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Lusitanica oak framing offers both strength and a warm aesthetic. Japanese joinery techniques showcase skilled craftsmanship while ensuring durability in the design. These materials not only fulfill practical purposes but also enrich the overall experience, creating a welcoming atmosphere that promotes relaxation and focus.

The thoughtful combination of natural elements, functional features, and quality craftsmanship results in a retreat that encourages visitors to engage with themselves and their surroundings. Attention to detail is evident throughout the design, drawing people into a space meant for reflection and connection.

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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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