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Healing Walls Constructed with Local Stone and Timber in a Natural Landscape

Author:
Davor Robitschko
Healing Walls Constructed with Local Stone and Timber in a Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed from local stone and timber, the healing walls frame tranquil spaces for meditation and wellness, seamlessly integrating with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Healing walls are constructed using local stone and clay mortar.
02
The design incorporates multiple outdoor meditation platforms for user engagement.
03
Cabins are elevated above the ground to minimize impact on the landscape.
04
A rainwater collection system enhances sustainability and supports natural irrigation.
05
Timber structures provide flexibility for future adaptations and changes in use.

The design centers on the concept of healing walls, taking inspiration from traditional Portuguese granaries known as "hórreo." Set within a landscape that promotes wellness, the project integrates built structures with nature to support both physical and mental well-being. Elevated walls frame essential areas, such as healing cabins and meditation platforms, and create inviting spaces for engagement with the surroundings.

Functionality

Pathways weave through outdoor meditation areas and healing spaces, guiding users in their journey. Openings in the healing walls allow for easy movement between indoor and outdoor settings, enhancing the experience and encouraging interaction with the environment. This design emphasizes accessibility, promoting a tranquil atmosphere for reflection and relaxation.

Materiality

Local materials play an important role in the project, with stone and clay mortar used for the supportive walls. This choice not only ensures durability but also connects the design to the architectural traditions of the region. The use of timber in the primary and secondary structures offers flexibility in layout, maintaining a link to the natural surroundings. The careful selection of materials addresses structural needs while also enhancing the overall appearance of the design.

Sustainability

Attention to sustainability is evident throughout the design with features like rainwater collection systems. Proposed solar panels increase energy efficiency, and a natural irrigation system supports local plant life. This focus on ecological practices helps the project coexist with nature, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility.

The healing walls define the space, creating focal points that frame views and enhance the atmosphere. Their design balances solidity with openness, allowing the built environment to connect thoughtfully with the landscape beyond.

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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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