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Eucalyptus Structures Merging with Terraced Landscapes for Mindful Retreats

Authors:
Finbar Charleson, Rachel Klein, Nicola Chan
Eucalyptus Structures Merging with Terraced Landscapes for Mindful Retreats

Project in-detail

Timber and eucalyptus structures seamlessly integrate with terraced landscapes, providing spaces for meditation and mindfulness within a self-sufficient retreat setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber screens enhance natural ventilation and reduce reliance on mechanical systems.
02
Rainwater harvesting directly supports therapeutic functions within the retreat.
03
Terraced gardens promote community interaction and ecological sustainability.
04
Eucalyptus wood elements serve as both structural and aesthetic features.
05
The central dome structure fosters a unique sense of enclosure and connection to nature.

The Pavilhãos do Sol, or Pavilions of the Sun, are located in the Vale de Moses retreat in Portugal. They are designed to blend with the natural landscape, focusing on sustainability and mindfulness. The pavilions provide a calm environment for visitors, promoting relaxation and reflection through their thoughtful design.

Concept and Site Integration

The design incorporates a self-sufficient water supply system that takes advantage of the high-altitude weather patterns in the area. This system ensures that both the landscape and visitors receive adequate hydration, supporting local ecology. The pavilions are arranged to frame views of the rolling hills, allowing guests to engage with the surrounding beauty while offering refuge from outside distractions.

Building Layout and Natural Ventilation

The layout emphasizes a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a flow that enhances tranquility. Flexible timber screens allow for natural ventilation within the cabins, ensuring comfort without relying solely on mechanical systems. The pitched and overhanging roofs not only manage sunlight but also collect rainwater, showcasing an effective response to local climate conditions.

Sustainable Practices and Community Engagement

Rainwater is collected from the roofs and filtered for various uses, highlighting the commitment to sustainability. Any excess water nourishes the terraced gardens before flowing into a meditation pond, forming an irrigation network that enriches the local environment. This connection encourages guests to engage with the landscape, fostering communal experiences in shared garden spaces.

Cultural Relevance and Spatial Experience

Inside, the sanctuary areas reflect aspects of traditional Portuguese architecture, enhancing the visitor experience with cultural significance. The design skillfully manipulates form and light, guiding visitors as they move through the space. A central treatment area features a dome structure that creates a feeling of enclosure while connecting individuals to the surroundings.

The combination of light, space, and natural elements in the treatment areas nurtures an atmosphere suited for healing and reflection, embodying the essence found within the Pavilhãos do Sol.

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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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