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Grounded Retreats with Rammed Earth and Modular Design Elements

Authors:
Elias Knecht, Guilherme Lacks pereira lima
Grounded Retreats with Rammed Earth and Modular Design Elements

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth walls and a modular layout, the meditation cabins enhance the natural terrain of the Vale de Moses retreat while providing a focused environment for personal reflection and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide natural insulation and thermal mass.
02
Modular design allows for adaptable layouts based on visitor needs.
03
Tilted roofs enhance light penetration and views of the horizon.
04
Rainwater collection systems support local gardening initiatives.
05
Porch design creates seamless indoor-outdoor connections for meditation.

The Vale de Moses meditation cabins are located in a scenic retreat, designed to provide visitors with a peaceful place for reflection and meditation in tune with nature. These cabins are intended for small groups, specifically two occupants, and feature a modular design that allows for easy duplication based on demand. The overall concept emphasizes sustainability and minimal land use while creating an immersive experience for those seeking tranquility.

Design Intent

The design focuses on integrating the buildings with the rocky landscape of the Vale de Moses region. This connection helps visitors feel grounded in their surroundings. The cabins use a modular approach, allowing for flexible arrangements that can be modified or expanded to meet different needs, catering to visitors looking for therapeutic spaces.

Spatial Flow

Inside, the cabins transition from smaller, enclosed areas to larger meditation rooms. Visitors first enter through a rear vestibule, moving toward an open meditation space that includes large windows framing views of the valley. The tilted roof contributes to this effect, giving the interior an expanded feel and visually connecting occupants to the horizon outside.

Material Composition

Material choice is important for both function and design. The walls made of rammed earth provide good thermal control, helping to keep the interior comfortable throughout the seasons. Stone foundations ensure stability on uneven terrain, while wooden elements add warmth and a comforting touch for those inside. These materials come together to support the goal of sustainability by effectively using local resources.

Exterior Features

The design extends to the outside with a porch that connects indoor and outdoor spaces. This porch features large glass doors that allow for uninterrupted views of the valley, inviting occupants to experience the landscape directly. This aspect encourages moments of quiet reflection. Rainwater collection systems enhance the design's sustainability goals, supporting gardening initiatives around the cabins that contribute to the site's overall ecology.

The careful arrangement of these design elements encourages a strong connection to the landscape. The cabins offer a place not only for functionality but also for visitors to cultivate their experience of nature, providing an environment suitable for meditation and inner peace.

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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

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