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Mezzanine Retreat Crafted with Corten and Bamboo in the Valley

Author:
Esteban Fernandez
Mezzanine Retreat Crafted with Corten and Bamboo in the Valley

Project in-detail

Elevated on concrete footings, the cabin's bamboo wall and Corten steel accents create a distinctive setting for meditation and yoga in the serene landscape of Vale de Moses.
5 key facts about this project
01
The yoga room features an adjustable bamboo wall for flexible use.
02
Concrete footings elevate the cabin above the ground, enhancing natural views.
03
A mezzanine level provides an immersive perspective of the landscape.
04
Corten steel accents add a unique texture to the overall design.
05
An interior courtyard acts as a central gathering space for visitors.

The Belvedere of the Valley is designed with a focus on wellness and connection to nature. Located in a tranquil landscape, the cabin serves as a retreat for yoga and meditation. It encourages users to immerse themselves in their surroundings while finding peace and reflection. The overall design concept revolves around balancing private spaces with areas that open to the natural environment, creating a setting that invites both solitude and engagement.

Spatial Organization

The layout showcases two main areas positioned on opposite sides of an interior courtyard, which acts as a central hub for the structure. This courtyard welcomes visitors and connects them to the adjacent therapy room, enhancing the cabin's functionality. Large openings allow natural light to enter, creating a bright atmosphere and visual links to the outside landscape.



Flexible Design Elements

The design features a yoga room separated by a bamboo wall that offers flexibility for different activities. This adjustability supports various uses and personal preferences. The meditation space is elevated and accessible by a ladder leading to a mezzanine level. This elevated position enhances the user's experience by providing views of the natural surroundings, drawing them into the environment.



Materiality and Aesthetic

Materials are chosen thoughtfully to establish a connection with nature. Wood and stone are the primary elements, reinforcing a sense of place. Wood cladding creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, while Corten steel and concrete provide subtle contrast without overwhelming the main materials. This careful selection emphasizes tranquility and harmony throughout the design.



Engagement with Nature

Elevated on concrete footings, the cabin remains above the ground and encourages interaction with the surrounding landscape. This elevation creates a sense of lightness, making the structure feel as though it is floating. The outdoor form features playful lines that mimic the patterns in the natural habitat, fostering a dialogue between the architecture and its environment. This attention to detail invites visitors to appreciate both the cabin and its natural context.

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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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