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Curved Stone Wall and Wood Volume Emphasizing Connection to Nature

Authors:
Pedro Couto de sousa, Gonçalo Fuso, Antonio Melo
Curved Stone Wall and Wood Volume Emphasizing Connection to Nature

Project in-detail

A carefully engineered curved stone wall encases a wooden volume, facilitating a harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape while serving as a dedicated space for yoga and mindfulness practice.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved stone wall adapts to the site's topography Yoga space features sliding wood frame windows for natural light Built-in storage integrates seamlessly with the design Recycled water system supports sustainability and irrigation Accessible design ensures usability for all individuals.

The Yoga House on a Cliff in Vale de Moses serves as a dedicated space for yoga and mindfulness, surrounded by scenic natural beauty. The design aims to create a calm environment, encouraging introspection and connection with the outdoors. A simple structure made of wood and a carefully designed stone wall fits into the hillside, blending with the landscape while providing functional space for practice.

Stone Wall and Reception Garden
A key element of the design is the "L" shaped stone wall that contours the site's slope. This wall initially hides the views of Vale de Moses, guiding visitors toward the entrance. The reception garden enhances this experience, featuring a curved path and seating that invite exploration and contemplation. This thoughtful arrangement encourages users to engage more deeply with the natural setting, providing a warm welcome from the first moment.

Yoga Space Configuration
The yoga space is a rectangular room that opens to the outdoors through sliding wooden windows. This design decision allows plenty of natural light to fill the space while offering views of the landscape. A stone wall forms the entrance and includes built-in storage, keeping the interior organized and functional. Light filtering through wooden columns creates a rhythmic play of shadows, contributing to a serene atmosphere perfect for practice.

Accessibility and Multipurpose Areas
Accessibility is crucial to the design, particularly in the placement of the toilets and showers within a wood-closed capsule. This configuration maintains privacy while ensuring easy access for all users, regardless of mobility. The outdoor area also serves multiple functions, acting as a tea room and additional space for practice. This design choice connects people to the sounds of nature, such as the rustling of leaves and flowing water, enhancing the overall experience of peace.

Sustainable Water Management
Sustainable features are evident in the project's approach to water management. Recycled water is used for the toilets, reducing environmental impact and contributing to the irrigation of the reception garden. This practical solution fosters a relationship between the built environment and the natural world, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in a tranquil setting.

The careful use of wood and stone in the design complements the natural landscape and creates a warm atmosphere. This attention to detail enhances the user experience, allowing people to engage in practices of mindfulness and reflection surrounded by the beauty of 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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