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Elevated Wood Shelter Embracing Nature and Community Harmony

Authors:
Mariana Abreu, Maria Ferreira
Elevated Wood Shelter Embracing Nature and Community Harmony
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Elevated on columns to minimize environmental impact, this wood shelter optimizes natural views and fosters community interaction through dedicated spaces for yoga and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes ground impact to preserve the surrounding ecosystem.
02
Flexible modular layout supports various communal activities.
03
Incorporates large windows for enhanced natural light and landscape views.
04
Outdoor spaces create a direct connection between users and nature.
05
Focus on sustainable materials emphasizes environmental sensitivity.

ABRIGO is located in a forest surrounded by valleys and mountains. The design serves as a communal space that encourages participation in yoga, meditation, and social interaction. The overarching goal is to create an environment that respects and integrates with nature while providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

Conceptual Framework

The building's design emphasizes harmony with its natural surroundings. It achieves this by separating the structure from the ground with columns, which reduces the impact on the landscape. This design choice allows the forest and its features to become part of the experience for those using the space. Elevated views of the terrain enhance the connection between occupants and nature.

Spatial Organization

ABRIGO consists of several distinct modules, each serving a specific function. These include a shala, changing rooms, an entrance courtyard that can also be used for dining or sitting, and a kitchenette. Each space has its own purpose yet follows a consistent design style that maintains a sense of unity throughout the building.

Connection of Spaces

A key feature is how the project connects indoor and outdoor areas. The layout encourages movement between the different spaces, allowing users to enjoy both the structure and the environment outside. Stairs serve as important pathways for transitioning between these areas, making it easy for visitors to interact with one another and the landscape.

Material Considerations

While the specifics of materials are not extensively mentioned, the design clearly prioritizes natural options. The inclusion of wood reflects a commitment to sustainability and offers a warm aesthetic that complements the surrounding forest. This choice aims to create a long-lasting space that feels at home within its setting.

Large windows allow ample natural light into the building and frame views of the landscape, linking visitors to the outdoor world and enhancing their overall experience.

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Enter an open architecture
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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