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Gabion Walls and Timber Roofs in a Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Author:
Sai chun Yung
Gabion Walls and Timber Roofs in a Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with gabion walls and a timber roof, the cabin provides a serene environment for meditation, effectively integrating sustainable practices with local architectural traditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced gabion walls for enhanced thermal efficiency.
02
Timber roof incorporates a wind channel to improve natural ventilation.
03
Full-height glass pivot door provides unobstructed views and light.
04
Ondol-inspired heating system utilizes a smoke-extracting cavity for comfort.
05
Outdoor meditation platform extends the internal space into nature.

The Stone Cabin with a Shifted Roof at Vale de Moses serves as a meditation retreat that combines traditional elements with modern design. Located in Portugal, the cabin is designed to offer a peaceful space for reflection and well-being. The overall concept draws inspiration from local stone houses, focusing on creating distinct areas for meditation and therapeutic practices.

Spatial Configuration
The cabin is organized around three key elements: a timber roof structure, a stone body, and a sturdy base. The roof is positioned at an angle, creating varied internal and external spaces. Visitors enter through a stone courtyard, which acts as a bridge between the outdoors and the living area. This courtyard leads into the central space that features a high gable ceiling, specifically designed for meditation. The roof also extends outward to create an outdoor meditation platform, enhancing the connection to nature.

Materiality and Sustainable Practices
Materials used in the cabin reflect a commitment to sustainability and local traditions. The roof structure is supported by timber, designed to allow for natural airflow, which helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside. The walls are made from modular gabion structures filled with stones sourced from the area. This choice not only provides a natural aesthetic but also improves the thermal qualities of the building. The use of different stone sizes contributes to the overall ambiance; larger stones are used in the courtyard for shelter, while smaller stones create an intimate feeling in the central space.

Heating and Water Management
The base of the building incorporates a traditional ondol heating system, which uses a smoke-extracting cavity for underfloor heating. This setup emphasizes energy efficiency and contributes to a lower environmental impact. In addition, a greywater tank is included to manage water use responsibly, collecting rainwater and recycled wastewater. This focus on water conservation aligns with the cabin's sustainable design philosophy.

Constructability and Adaptation
Efforts have been made to ensure the cabin is easy to construct on-site. The dimensions of the timber are chosen for easy transportation, while the gabion walls are built using a modular steel frame, allowing for quick assembly. This modularity also makes it easy to adapt the cabin to different site conditions, ensuring that it fits well within its natural surroundings.

The cabin features a full-height glass pivot door that connects the central area to the outdoor platform. This door allows natural light to enter the space, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere for those who enter.

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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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