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Dark Chestnut and Rammed Earth Retreat Emphasizing Community and Sustainability

Authors:
Suan Ho-dinh, Michele D'ostuni, Ragil Langlang
Dark Chestnut and Rammed Earth Retreat Emphasizing Community and Sustainability

Project in-detail

Utilizing dark chestnut and rammed earth, the retreat center merges sustainable construction with community engagement, providing a tranquil setting for yoga and wellness practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Transitional space integrates indoor and outdoor environments for enhanced user experience.
02
The greenhouse supports year-round cultivation of vegetables and herbs for community use.
03
Utilizes local dark chestnut wood for structural elements, emphasizing regional craftsmanship.
04
Rammed earth construction provides natural thermal regulation and reduces environmental impact.
05
Rainwater harvesting system ensures sustainable water management for the retreat's needs.

The yoga retreat center, Vale de Moses, is situated in central Portugal and serves as a space for promoting wellness through yoga practices. Designed with sustainability in mind, the center aims to regenerate the natural environment while also fostering connections within the community. The concept of "Espaços inteligentes de Crescimento" guides the architectural approach, focusing on integrating ecological principles into the design.

Architecture Concept

At the heart of the design is a focus on bioclimatic architecture. The building is oriented to make the most of natural light and airflow, creating different microclimates that enhance comfort for its users. By carefully considering its relation to the landscape, the structure connects the indoor environment with the beauty of nature outside.

Materials

The project features locally sourced materials, reflecting traditional building methods while addressing present-day environmental needs. Dark chestnut wood is used throughout, providing both strength and visual warmth. Rammed earth, sourced from the site itself, is also employed, contributing to the building’s thermal efficiency and reducing its impact on the environment.

Sustainable Systems

Water management is an important element of the retreat’s design. A system for harvesting rainwater is integrated to irrigate the greenhouse, which produces a variety of vegetables and herbs. This thoughtful resource management highlights a commitment to sustainability while enhancing the ecological performance of the site.

Community Engagement

The layout of the center encourages interaction among its users. Central to this is the greenhouse, which not only acts as a place for growing food but also serves as a gathering spot for communal activities. This design fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment and encourages shared experiences among visitors.

The retreat center's shala features large openings that allow natural light to fill the space and provide views of the surrounding landscape, creating a serene atmosphere suitable for yoga and meditation.

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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

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