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Mineral Wool Insulation and Onsen Integration in a Nature-Centric Wellness Space

Authors:
Eduardo Dana cohen, Damaso Mayer
Mineral Wool Insulation and Onsen Integration in a Nature-Centric Wellness Space

Project in-detail

Incorporating a traditional onsen and surrounded by native herbs, the design integrates mineral wool insulation to enhance thermal efficiency while providing a serene space for yoga and holistic practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built around an onsen, promoting wellness and relaxation.
02
Incorporates mineral wool insulation for enhanced thermal performance.
03
Yoga space oriented to maximize natural light and views.
04
Surrounded by a native herbs garden that provides sensory engagement.
05
Utilizes local materials to ensure environmental integration.

Tara is located in the Oleiros-Amieira region, designed to create a strong connection with the natural landscape. It serves as a ceremonial space for yoga and other holistic practices. The design concept highlights a transition from the roughness of the exterior to the calm of the interior, appealing to users' senses while fostering a tranquil atmosphere.

Design Organization

The layout comprises two solid blocks that provide privacy, with a central yoga space that is lighter and more open. This arrangement keeps community areas and private spaces defined. Individuals can move smoothly between these distinct environments, allowing for both personal time and group interaction.

Spatial Experience

Visitors enter through a garden filled with native herbs. This pathway acts as an introduction to the site, guiding guests toward the building. Upon entering, the change from a rugged outside to a refined interior creates a feeling of peace. This thoughtful design encourages users to feel grounded and connected to their surroundings.

Connection to Nature

The yoga room is specifically oriented to face the landscape, inviting natural light and fresh air. This thoughtful placement draws the outdoors in, allowing users to engage with the environment. Additional features like the onsen and tea garden serve as spaces for relaxation and socializing, further reinforcing the bond between the building and nature.

Sustainable Materials

The use of local materials strengthens the project's connection to the site. The building features a concrete slab roof with a waterproof membrane that ensures durability. Mineral wool insulation enhances thermal efficiency, while double pane and operable windows improve ventilation and light quality. Wood framing and concrete sills offer structural support and visual ties to the landscape.

The attention to detail is evident in the careful incorporation of gravel and stone layers. These elements help the building blend with its natural surroundings, enriching the experience for people as they approach and enter Tara.

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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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