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Healing Retreat Shaped by Rammed Earth and Therapeutic Gardens

Authors:
Barry Atiabet, Jose Navarro, Donna D'agostini, Eric Martinez
Healing Retreat Shaped by Rammed Earth and Therapeutic Gardens

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced rammed earth, the retreat seamlessly integrates therapeutic gardens and a pyramidal form to promote healing and meditation in a natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from locally sourced rammed earth for sustainable building.
02
Incorporates a pyramidal shape to enhance natural energy flow and promote wellness.
03
Features therapeutic gardens planted with historically significant medicinal herbs.
04
Sunlight-filtering vertical fins create dynamic interior light patterns.
05
Designed to maximize views and connection to the surrounding landscape.

The Center Point Cabin blends rejuvenation, meditation, and ecological healing. Located in an environment that enhances its natural ties, the cabin aims to provide a peaceful retreat for individuals seeking relief from daily stress. The design centers around the idea of using architecture as a tool for healing, applying principles like the golden ratio and foundational mathematics to nurture a balanced environment.

Materiality

Rammed earth, known as "tapiáis," forms the main structure of the cabin. This choice is significant, as the material is sourced locally, which reduces its environmental impact. The walls consist of clay, concrete, chalk, lime, and gravel, adding to the cabin's durability while ensuring it fits well within the local landscape. The use of rammed earth also provides natural insulation and thermal mass, making the building more energy-efficient and sustainable.

Geometric Expression

The design features a pyramid shape that symbolizes ascension and preservation. This geometric form serves both as an aesthetic highlight and as a functional element, channeling electromagnetic energy within the space. Such shapes are known to promote well-being in occupants, reinforcing the cabin's role in enhancing mental health while maintaining a strong relationship with nature.

Light and Space

The design includes large windows and skylights to connect the inside with the outdoors. These openings allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Vertical fins decorate the façade, filtering sunlight and providing privacy. This design choice gradually reveals views of the inner gardens and surrounding landscape, encouraging moments of reflection and tranquility.

Therapeutic Landscapes

The cabin also integrates gardens filled with medicinal herbs, following the principles of nature therapy, or Shinrin Yoku. These gardens contribute to the overall healing experience, providing not just beauty but also a connection to traditional practices. The selected plants have historical importance in natural medicine, emphasizing the project’s commitment to holistic well-being and thoughtful design.

As light streams through the fins, patterns shift on the walls, creating a dynamic space that encourages occupants to connect with their surroundings and themselves.

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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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