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Meditation Retreat With Photovoltaic Panels Amid An Artificial Lake

Authors:
Rodrigo Gurgel, Maria clara Freire, Vitoria conrado Alexandre, Rita de cassia Pinheiro gurgel
Meditation Retreat With Photovoltaic Panels Amid An Artificial Lake

Project in-detail

The integration of photovoltaic panels and a meditation spot within an artificial lake creates a serene environment tailored for poets seeking reflection and inspiration in a thoughtfully organized retreat setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Host's hut serves as a central communal hub for residents.
02
The design includes a meditation area set within an artificial lake.
03
All huts are strategically positioned to enhance privacy and seclusion.
04
Photovoltaic panels provide renewable energy for the entire retreat.
05
Common area features a retractable roof to adapt to different activities.

The design presents a tranquil space situated within a natural environment, intended as a retreat for poets who seek both inspiration and solitude. The layout integrates communal and private areas in a manner that encourages interaction among residents while offering opportunities for quiet reflection. This balance shapes a concept that respects the flow of nature, drawing influence from the movement of nearby trees.

Site Organization

The scheme is organized into clear sections that guide movement from public to private spaces. Central to the arrangement is the host's hut, which acts as a shared hub. It includes living and dining rooms, a kitchen, bathroom, closet, and bedroom, as well as a private terrace. This thoughtful positioning promotes socializing, making it a fitting location for gatherings.

Communal Spaces

Next to the host's hut is the common area, designed to foster collaborative experiences. This multifunctional space features a retractable roof, a dining room, restrooms that accommodate disabilities, and a shared kitchen. These elements encourage residents to enjoy meals together and participate in communal activities, enhancing connections within the group.

Residential Huts

Various residential huts are included in the design, each tailored for specific needs. The four-person hut comes with a kitchenette, storage, bathroom, bedroom, and private terrace, making it suitable for small groups. The two-person huts consist of a storage room, bathroom, kitchenette, bedroom, private terrace, and laundry facilities, ideal for couples. Finally, the one-person huts provide a kitchenette, bedroom, private terrace, and bathroom, ensuring that each individual has their own retreat space.

Sustainability and Design Details

Sustainability features prominently in the design through the use of photovoltaic panels, which generate energy for the site. Materials chosen for construction include metal roof insulated panels, interior metal cladding insulated panels, fiberglass insulation, steel structure, glass panes, wood plank flooring with insulated triple glazing, and a radiant floor-based water heating system. A unique aspect is the meditation spot located within an artificial lake, serving as a quiet area for reflection and connection with nature.

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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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