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Floating Wellness Retreat Embracing Laminated Timber and Natural Elements

Authors:
Chang ling Ma, Ka tung Cheng, Sarah Wong
Floating Wellness Retreat Embracing Laminated Timber and Natural Elements

Project in-detail

Built using laminated timber and designed to float above the forest floor, this wellness retreat integrates natural elements to enhance the experience of meditation and rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a cantilevered design, enhancing the sense of floating above the forest floor.
02
Incorporates a rainwater collection system to support sustainable practices.
03
Features extensive glass panels to maximize natural light and forest views.
04
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for durability and aesthetic integration with the environment.
05
Designed with a flexible interior layout to adapt to various wellness activities.

The architectural project "Shuni - The Floating Pod" is located in Vale de Moses, Portugal, positioned among the natural beauty of the Serra da Estrela mountains. This design serves as a wellness retreat, offering spaces for relaxation and self-reflection. It emphasizes a minimalist aesthetic that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape, aiming to create a serene environment for visitors.

The primary function of Shuni is to provide a tranquil atmosphere for yoga, meditation, and other wellness practices. The design integrates private sleeping quarters and communal spaces, facilitating personal and shared experiences. The central living area features expansive glass walls that optimize natural light and offer views onto the lush panorama, deepening the connection between the built environment and nature.

The architectural design employs a range of innovative materials and construction techniques. Wood, specifically laminated timber and plywood, dominates the structure, allowing for warmth and a natural appearance that aligns with the surrounding forest. In contrast, stone is used for foundational elements and pathways, enhancing durability and providing a textural contrast to the wood. The incorporation of steel or aluminum is utilized in structural support for the cantilever, presenting a modern touch while allowing for open spaces.

What distinguishes this project from typical wellness retreats is its emphasis on sensory engagement and the deliberate journey it offers to occupants. Each area is carefully crafted to promote tranquility, with a layout conducive to movement through phases of rejuvenation and mindfulness. Prefabrication methods contribute to efficient assembly, ensuring high-quality outcomes and minimized construction impact in the area.

The interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces is a critical aspect of the design. Terraces and outdoor seating areas are strategically integrated, promoting connection to the natural environment and encouraging occupants to engage fully with their surroundings. This approach fosters a sense of immersion in nature, crucial for the project's purpose.

The inclusion of sustainable practices, such as rainwater collection and natural ventilation, further enhances Shuni’s ecological responsibility. The design carefully considers its environmental impact while maintaining a focus on the user's experience.

For those interested in exploring the architectural details of Shuni - The Floating Pod, including architectural plans and sections, examining the project presentation will provide deeper insights into its innovative design and function. This review will allow for a greater understanding of the architectural ideas that contribute to the project’s unique positioning in the realm of wellness retreats.

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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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