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Elevated Retreat with Local Oak and Greywater Sustainability

Authors:
Kelvin Silva, Anca teodora Lungu
Elevated Retreat with Local Oak and Greywater Sustainability

Project in-detail

Built with local oak and equipped with a greywater filtration system, the structure serves as a minimalist retreat for meditation and relaxation, seamlessly connecting its occupants to the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from local oak, reinforcing a commitment to materials sourcing.
02
Integrates a greywater filtration system for sustainable water management.
03
Features an adaptable interior layout to accommodate various guest needs.
04
Includes a large opening that connects the space visually with the surrounding valley.
05
Elevated design minimizes environmental impact and enhances regional integration.

The Ânimo sleeping pod is designed as a place for rest, reconnection, and mental refreshment. Located in a natural setting, it serves as a retreat from everyday demands, helping individuals find balance between body and mind. The overall design focuses on creating a space that encourages immersion and meditation, promoting well-being for its users.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the sleeping pod consists of several distinct areas that enhance the experience of visitors. It includes a porch for entry, areas dedicated to sleeping and meditation, a bathroom, and a technical space that supports its self-sufficient features. This arrangement not only prioritizes comfort but also ensures privacy. Visitors are welcomed by a path of stone steps leading to a wooden porch, which transitions smoothly from the outdoor environment.

Functional Flexibility

The sleeping area is adaptable, allowing for different arrangements based on the needs of guests. With no fixed layouts, this space can accommodate varying numbers of people comfortably. Additionally, under-floor storage helps maintain organization, creating a clear environment conducive to personal reflection. The provision of an external water supply alongside the bathroom further emphasizes a connection to nature, making it easy for users to enjoy outdoor activities.

Sustainability and Materiality

Sustainability drives the design of the sleeping pod, reflected in the incorporation of systems for collecting rainwater and generating solar energy. It uses local oak wood for timber and panels, keeping the ecological impact low. A steel frame provides necessary support, ensuring a durable structure. The roof is angled to maximize rainwater collection and daylit spaces, while a greywater filtration system promotes efficient water use and environmental care.

Connection with Nature

A significant aspect of the design is a large opening that faces the valley, merging the interior with the landscape outside. This feature allows natural light to fill the space while maintaining the privacy of users. The design enhances the experience by inviting occupants to appreciate the view. It encourages a sense of calm, allowing for reflection and connection with the surrounding environment while being enveloped in a comforting space.

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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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