Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Corten Steel Thresholds and Wooden Walkways in a Serene Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Angeliki Tzifa, Sofia Nikolaidou
Corten Steel Thresholds and Wooden Walkways in a Serene Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with corten steel thresholds and interconnected wooden walkways, the meditation retreat harmonizes with the Serra de Estrela mountains to provide a tranquil space for relaxation and therapeutic practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation cabins are integrated into the natural landscape to enhance privacy and connection to nature.
02
Corten steel thresholds mark transitions between different functional areas, reinforcing a sense of place.
03
Pathways are designed with decomposed granite, creating a natural aesthetic that complements the environment.
04
Large openings in the cabins frame views of the surrounding forest and valley, blurring indoor and outdoor boundaries.
05
The design incorporates an elevated wooden walkway that facilitates exploration and interaction with the terrain.

The site at Overlook Point and Pasithéa is located in the Serra de Estrela mountains, focusing on creating environments for relaxation and meditation. It aims to connect people with nature while providing spaces for individual therapy and community interaction. The overall design emphasizes harmony with the natural landscape, offering unique experiences to visitors.

Design Layout

An elevated wooden walkway leads through the site, encouraging exploration and a sense of connection to the surroundings. Important features include an amphitheater for gatherings and a sunbathing platform that invites leisurely activities. The entry is marked by a concrete steel threshold, creating a boundary that enhances the atmosphere of calm and seclusion.

Spatial Organization

The concept of Pasithéa, inspired by classical mythology, represents rest and meditation. The design consists of three main areas: the Threshold, Main Cabin, and Release Zone. The Threshold serves as a semi-outdoor meeting space for guests and therapists, while the Main Cabin offers a private setting for therapy sessions, ensuring comfort. The Release Zone is an outdoor meditation patio surrounded by trees, giving visitors expansive views that aid in relaxation.

Material and Sustainability

Sustainability is a core aspect of the design, reflected in the choice of materials and overall layout. The Main Cabin features a prefabricated metal frame along with wooden panel cladding, blending with the environment. Each section of the building is designed to be independent and structurally sound, which helps to reduce the environmental impact.

Natural Integration

Landscaping is essential to the overall experience, featuring decomposed granite pathways that connect different parts of the site. These paths guide visitors as they explore and interact with nature. Large openings in the structure frame views of the forest, valley, and sky, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, which supports a deeper connection with the natural setting.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy