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Elevated Sleeping Pods of Local Schist Embracing Nature's Views

Authors:
Martin Patsouris, Alexander Haba
Elevated Sleeping Pods of Local Schist Embracing Nature's Views
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Elevated sleeping pods constructed from local schist provide panoramic views of the valley, creating a serene environment for personal reflection and yoga practice.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated sleeping pods blend with the cliff landscape for unobstructed views.
02
Local schist provides thermal mass while harmonizing with the environment.
03
Large operable doors enhance connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces.
04
The design incorporates traditional Portuguese construction techniques.
05
Suspended stair design reinforces visual openness and spatial flow.

The Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat, titled "Sleeping Pods on a Cliff," is set against a beautiful hillside backdrop that promotes a strong connection to nature. The retreat is designed to support personal growth and reflection, making it a perfect place for yoga practice and introspection. Visitors can engage with both the environment and their thoughts in thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage exploration and self-discovery.

Entry Sequence

The journey begins with a wooden bridge that acts as a gateway from the outside world. This bridge, made from warm timber, offers shelter while allowing light and air to pass through. It provides a sensory experience that connects guests to the lush surroundings, preparing them for the peaceful environment ahead.

Lower Studio

Upon stepping inside, guests first encounter the lower studio, which is designed with openness in mind. This space features large operable doors that can be opened to invite nature in or closed for privacy. The flexibility of the studio allows for various activities, accommodating everything from group yoga sessions to solitary moments of reflection. The design fosters a balance between community and personal space.

Sleeping Pod

The sleeping pod is a smartly integrated space, appearing as a lifted stone form within the overall structure. Designed for two people, this compact area includes essential amenities, arranged to provide comfort without feeling cramped. Large windows frame views of the landscape, allowing occupants to engage with the natural beauty surrounding them as day turns to night.

Perch

The upper deck, known as the perch, offers an open area that invites discovery. It remains mostly concealed until approached, revealing wide views of the landscape that captivate guests. This design choice enhances the experience by connecting visitors to nature, emphasizing the importance of the environment in the pursuit of self-reflection.

Navigating through the retreat, visitors encounter a blend of light, materials, and spatial design that creates a calm atmosphere. Each element is considered, offering a setting that encourages both solitude and connection while fostering a meaningful experience.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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