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Elevated Cabins Featuring Natural Wood and Cork Insulation for Mindful Retreats

Authors:
Katarína Kandráčová, Adam Huleja
Elevated Cabins Featuring Natural Wood and Cork Insulation for Mindful Retreats

Project in-detail

Elevated above the forest floor, the cabins utilize natural wood, glass walls, and cork insulation to create a serene environment designed for meditation and self-reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structures reduce ground impact and promote natural water drainage.
02
Integration of rainwater harvesting systems enhances sustainability and resource management.
03
Wooden beams provide structural support while maintaining an open, airy feel.
04
Glass walls create seamless transitions between interior spaces and the surrounding environment.
05
Cork insulation contributes to energy efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

The Vale de Muses Meditation Cabins project is an architectural endeavor located in a tranquil region of Portugal, designed to provide spaces for meditation and self-reflection. The concept integrates natural elements and eco-friendly practices, emphasizing a minimalistic approach to construction. The architectural design harmonizes with the surrounding environment, promoting tranquility and mindfulness through deliberate spatial organization.

The cabins feature an elongated, simple form with an open-plan layout that is optimized for versatility. Each unit includes a central meditation space, kitchenette, and private bathroom facilities. Wooden beams support the elevated structure, minimizing soil disturbance while allowing for unobstructed views of the surrounding forest. The use of glass walls enhances this interaction with the natural world, creating an immersive experience for users.

The project represents a commitment to sustainability and mindfulness. Emphasizing simplicity and the intrinsic qualities of materials, the design fosters a connection to nature and encourages personal and communal reflection. It embodies the principles of Zen, drawing inspiration from minimalism and the philosophy of achieving clarity through simplicity.

Material selection plays a critical role in this architectural design. The structure utilizes various types of wood for beams and cladding, symbolizing a connection to the forests from which they came. Additionally, glass is integrated to create transparency and continuity between interior and exterior environments. Metal components reinforce structural integrity while maintaining a lightweight profile. Incorporating cork for insulation further enhances energy efficiency. The architectural solutions not only promote sustainability but also ensure that the cabins blend seamlessly with their natural setting.

The unique approach in the Vale de Muses project lies in its emphasis on adaptive use of space. Each cabin is designed to accommodate various activities, allowing occupants to engage in yoga or meditation as needed. The elevated placement of the structure minimizes environmental impact, affirming the project's commitment to ecological preservation. Furthermore, the integration of rainwater harvesting systems exemplifies the sustainable design principles that guide the project. These features support self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship.

In summary, the Vale de Muses Meditation Cabins project embodies architectural principles that prioritize functionality, sustainability, and user experience. Its thoughtful design and material choices provide a serene setting for meditation, aligning with a wider ethos of conscious living. For a comprehensive understanding of the project’s architectural plans, sections, and designs, please explore the presentation for more detailed insights.

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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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