Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Gabion-Structured Meditation Retreat in a Serene Natural Setting

Authors:
Chabeli Hernandez, Diego Ferro
Gabion-Structured Meditation Retreat in a Serene Natural Setting

Project in-detail

Constructed with gabion stones and light wood, the retreat offers a thoughtful design that integrates dark transitional passages and expansive views, creating a focused environment for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Gabion stones provide natural insulation and integrate the structure with the landscape.
02
Dark transitional passages create a sensory shift to enhance meditation readiness.
03
Light wood finishes offer warmth while reflecting natural light throughout interior spaces.
04
Green louvers blend the indoor environment with the surrounding nature, creating a rhythmic interaction.
05
A transparent balcony allows direct engagement with the ground, fostering connection to the landscape.

The Grasshopper Cabin at Vale de Moses is located in the calm landscape of Portugal and functions as a space for meditation and reflection. The design encourages visitors to step away from the distractions of daily life. By using a series of thoughtfully planned spaces, the Cabin helps guide individuals towards a state of tranquility and mindfulness.

Gabion Steps

The journey begins at the Gabion steps or ramp, which serve as an entry point to the Cabin. Here, the ground changes underfoot, offering an uneven surface that requires focus. This first step prepares visitors for the quiet and stillness ahead, providing a physical reminder that they are leaving the outside world behind.



Porch and Dark Passage

Once visitors arrive at the porch, they face a dark doorway that invites them to pause. Stepping into the dark passage compresses their senses and limits distractions. As they walk through, they begin to shift their mindset, which prepares them for what comes next. The contrast between the darkness and light highlights the transition into the meditation space.



Meditation Space

Inside the meditation space, light-colored wood and high ceilings create a welcoming atmosphere. This area reflects natural light, making it feel open and airy. Large glass doors frame beautiful views, blending the interior with the surrounding environment. Green louvers interact with light and air, adding a gentle rhythm to the space and enhancing its calming effect.



Transparent Balcony

A transparent balcony completes the design, offering a unique perspective of the landscape below. The open metal grid flooring allows grass and plants to grow, connecting visitors with nature. Gabion steps provide an easy way to access the ground beneath, reinforcing the relationship between the built structure and its natural surroundings. This connection enriches the experience, making the transition from inside to outside feel inviting and natural.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy