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Elevated Serenity in Cork-Clad Meditation Pods

Authors:
Cansu Ersoy, Nil Özkan, Şevin Erkenek, Doruk Topkaya
Elevated Serenity in Cork-Clad Meditation Pods

Project in-detail

Cork-clad pods elevated on steel columns provide a tranquil retreat in the Portuguese landscape, designed for meditation and deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork cladding enhances insulation and integrates with local landscapes.
02
Steel columns elevate the pods, providing unobstructed views.
03
Skylights allow for natural light and celestial visibility at night.
04
Flexible interior layout accommodates multiple uses for guests.
05
Surrounding native herbs promote relaxation and improve air quality.

The Árvore Dream Pods are located in Vale de Moses, a yoga retreat set in the tranquil Portuguese landscape. This facility serves as a quiet space for visitors to meditate and reflect on their inner selves. The design focuses on a close relationship with nature, using forms that resemble trees to enhance the connection to the environment.

Structural Form and Geometry
The design employs a cut-pyramid shape that aligns well with the forest surroundings. With a base measuring 5m x 5m, the pods provide flexibility, allowing for different uses such as sleeping and meditation. The shape is not just for looks; it helps the pods fit into the natural setting.

Natural Light and Spatial Experience
Skylights are placed strategically to bring in plenty of natural light. They also create a connection to the sky, which enhances the calm atmosphere inside. The layout is organized into sleeping, yoga, bathroom, and utility areas, providing users with a space that can adapt to different activities and needs.

Landscape Integration and Materiality
Surrounding the pods are native herbs like rosemary, lavender, and mint. These plants improve the sensory experience for visitors and promote relaxation. Nearby, olive and cork trees add to the natural environment. The exterior of the pods is covered in cork sourced locally, supporting sustainability while maintaining coherence with the landscape.

Elevated Structure and Views
Steel columns elevate the pods, allowing for expansive views and minimizing their impact on the ground. This elevation promotes better drainage, reflecting a mindful approach to the environment. Each detail contributes to a peaceful setting designed for quiet contemplation and inner peace, where users can truly connect with nature.

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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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