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Limestone Cabins with Cantilevered Forms Embracing the Natural Landscape for Mindful Retreats

Authors:
Beatriz Querubin, Micaela Manzano, Nikolai georg Fadul
Limestone Cabins with Cantilevered Forms Embracing the Natural Landscape for Mindful Retreats

Project in-detail

Cantilevered forms of locally sourced limestone rise gracefully from the landscape, creating an immersive retreat that fosters mindfulness and deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabins utilize locally sourced limestone to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
02
Each structure features cantilevered designs that elevate the cabins while providing panoramic views of the valley.
03
Sustainable rainwater harvesting systems are incorporated to support the gardens around the cabins.
04
Interior spaces are strategically arranged to enhance natural light and promote a sense of tranquility.
05
The project draws inspiration from yogic principles, creating environments conducive to mindfulness and meditation.
The New Valley project comprises a series of Yoga Meditation Cabins located in Vale de Moses, Portugal, thoughtfully designed to enhance experiences of solitude, self-reflection, and connection to nature. This architectural endeavor merges the tranquility of the meditation process with the raw beauty of the surrounding landscape, offering a space that not only caters to physical needs but also nurtures mental and spiritual well-being. The design represents a bridge between human experience and the natural world, providing an environment conducive to mindfulness practices such as yoga and meditation.

At its core, the project serves as a refuge from the fast-paced modern life, allowing individuals to retreat, reflect, and engage in personal growth. The design emphasizes a harmonious relationship between the cabins and their site, influencing both their aesthetic appeal and functional efficacy. Each structure is conceived as a sculptural element that respects and responds to the undulating topography of the valley, creating spaces that encourage a profound sense of being anchored to the earth while simultaneously experiencing an elevation of the spirit.

The unique architectural features of the New Valley cabins are manifested in their form and layout. The use of angular, fragmented silhouettes pays homage to the surrounding geography, providing a visual cohesion with the landscape rather than imposing upon it. This design approach is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical; the angles and lines serve to achieve optimal views of the captivating scenery while introducing dynamic natural light into the spaces. The intentional cantilevered portions of the cabins elevate them slightly above the ground, creating a sensation of lightness and harmony with the environment.

Materiality plays a pivotal role in the project’s overall impact, with an emphasis on sustainable and local resources that echo the natural surroundings. The cabins feature a blend of limestone, concrete, spruce, and gravel, each selected for its aesthetic qualities and performance. Limestone adds a tactile, organic feel, while concrete provides durability and modernity. The use of warm spruce throughout the interiors enhances the comfort level and fosters an inviting atmosphere, further connecting occupants to nature through its natural textures. Gravel enhances the landscape by facilitating water drainage and complementing the exterior aesthetic.

The interior design of the Yoga Meditation Cabins promotes a flexible usage tailored to various meditation and yoga practices. Expansive windows frame picturesque views of the valley and allow plenty of natural light to filter in, creating a serene ambiance perfect for contemplation and relaxation. The arrangement of spaces is intuitive, encouraging individuals to flow from one area to another, whether for practice or quiet reflection. This strategic placement fosters a sense of continuity and belonging, inviting visitors to immerse themselves fully in their surroundings.

One of the more notable aspects of the New Valley project is its commitment to sustainability. The design integrates systems for water management, including rainwater recycling that supports surrounding gardens and minimizes resource consumption. Such considerations reflect a growing trend in architecture that prioritizes ecological responsibility while enhancing the user experience.

The architectural design of the New Valley Yoga Meditation Cabins is distinctive not just for its aesthetic qualities but for the fundamental ideas it embodies. This project is a testament to the potential of architecture to influence human experience positively and mindfully. By drawing on principles inherent in yoga and meditation, the cabins foster an environment conducive to healing and inner growth.

Those interested in exploring the intricate details of this project are encouraged to delve into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and overarching architectural designs. The careful execution of these architectural ideas offers further insights into how the New Valley project harmonizes with its environment while serving the focused intentions of its users. For a closer examination of this thoughtful architectural endeavor, visiting the project presentation will provide a comprehensive look at how form and function come together in a meaningful way.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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