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Emotional Journeys Through Soft Architecture and Intricate Wood-Carving

Authors:
Alexander Semegen, Mark Popel
Emotional Journeys Through Soft Architecture and Intricate Wood-Carving

Project in-detail

Intricate wood-carving and soft architectural forms create a meditative environment that guides visitors through emotional experiences in a secluded setting dedicated to wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Emphasis on emotional journeys through carefully curated spatial sequences.
02
Distinct entrances for guests and therapists to enhance solitude and reflection.
03
Integration of local craftsmanship with intricate wood-carving.
04
Design promotes a continuous forward movement, avoiding retracing steps.
05
Hillside placement that harmonizes with the surrounding natural landscape.

The Vale De Moses Meditation Cabins are located in a calming natural setting designed to support therapeutic experiences. The cabins invite visitors to engage with the architecture, making it a key part of the relaxation process. This thoughtful design concept merges the environment and human experience, enhancing opportunities for introspection and meditation.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the cabins encourages visitors to move forward, creating a journey through spaces that are meant to evoke specific feelings. Each area is planned so that guests do not return to previous spots, reinforcing a sense of solitude and deep contemplation. The arrangement includes separate entrances for guests and therapists, supporting personal reflection and minimizing unnecessary interactions.

Emotional Engagement

Every space within the cabins has been crafted with intention to elicit distinct emotional responses. This approach guides visitors through their experiences, making the journey feel dynamic and engaging. The variation in spaces fosters curiosity and encourages individuals to connect with their surroundings on a deeper level.

Materiality and Cultural Context

The design showcases Soft Portuguese Style Architecture alongside intricate wood-carving, reflecting the craftsmanship traditions of the region. While detailed materials are not specified, the emphasis on texture and form is clear throughout the design. Drawing from local heritage, the architecture aims to resonate with visitors and enhance their experience within the cabins.

Sustainability Considerations

Sustainability is an important aspect of the cabin design, particularly through the use of efficient air and water systems. This attention to resource conservation aligns with the primary goal of promoting wellness and mindfulness. The structures are designed to blend with the natural environment, contributing to a sense of calm that visitors can appreciate.

Visitors approach the new therapy cabin gradually, as the building reveals itself against the landscape. This gradual interaction creates a connection between the architecture and its surroundings, encouraging a deeper engagement with the space and the peaceful experience it offers.

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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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