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Floating Cantilevered Retreat with Pigmented Concrete and Maritime Pine

Author:
Husam Flayhan
Floating Cantilevered Retreat with Pigmented Concrete and Maritime Pine

Project in-detail

The cantilevered structure, formed in the shape of an upturned eye and constructed with pigmented concrete and maritime pine, serves as a meditation space that seamlessly blends with the cliffs of Portugal’s Valley of Moses.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building shape mimics an upturned eye, symbolizing awareness.
02
The cantilevered platform offers unobstructed valley views.
03
Natural light is managed through a waffle roof and louvred screens.
04
Materials include pigmented concrete and maritime pine for a calming effect.
05
Designed to facilitate both individual meditation and community gatherings.

The Ajna de Moses yoga house is located in Portugal's Valley of Moses, designed as a peaceful place for meditation and reflection. Inspired by the shape of an upturned eye, the building symbolizes awareness and a deep connection with the surrounding nature. Its layout includes a main yoga space, restrooms, and a community terrace. This arrangement helps foster a supportive environment for both individual and group activities.

Conceptual Framework

The design features a cantilevered platform that gives the impression of floating above the valley's vegetation. This elevation not only provides wide views of the landscape but also enriches the experience for those practicing yoga. The Shala, or main yoga space, plays a central role in the layout, ensuring that it serves the needs of visitors while promoting a sense of community.

Light and Spatial Dynamics

Light plays an important role in the Ajna de Moses. The rounded South West elevation allows natural daylight to enter the building, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The use of a waffle roof and louvred screens helps manage the light, reducing glare and enhancing the meditative quality of the interior. This careful handling of light reflects the cycle of the day and encourages a calm state of mind.

Materiality and Texture

Materials such as pigmented concrete, maritime pine, timber, and slate contribute to the building's connection with its surroundings. Each material was chosen for its ability to create a comfortable atmosphere that invites users to engage with the space. The textures of timber and slate add depth and interest, enhancing the overall sensory experience for visitors and practitioners alike.

Design Details

Access to the yoga house is carefully planned. The main entrance is located from the road, while a secondary entrance leads up Valley Steps, guiding visitors into the meditation space. The layout encourages movement through the site, with paths that allow users to appreciate the valley more fully. The floating cantilever design creates a peaceful spot where one can pause and take in the beauty of the landscape, a moment of quiet reflection that aligns with the building’s purpose.

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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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