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Natural Light-Infused Cabin Featuring Clay Panels and a Stone Wall for Wellness Retreat

Author:
Nathan Waisath
Natural Light-Infused Cabin Featuring Clay Panels and a Stone Wall for Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with clay panels and a robust stone wall, the cabin incorporates abundant natural light to create a serene environment for meditation and wellness activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural light is maximized through large openings that frame views of the landscape.
02
Clay panels provide thermal insulation while connecting the cabin to its environment.
03
A stone wall creates a strong, grounding element within the structure.
04
The design incorporates a planted gutter system for sustainable rainwater management.
05
Spaces are flexibly arranged to accommodate various wellness practices.

Pedra Livre is located in Vale de Moses and aims to support practices that enhance well-being, such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture. The design focuses on creating a peaceful environment that connects people to nature. It recognizes the basic human need for shelter while encouraging moments of quiet reflection and relaxation.

Architectural Layout

The layout of Pedra Livre emphasizes openness and the flow of natural light. Large windows are incorporated to invite the surrounding landscape into the space. This design choice fosters a sense of calm and enhances the overall experience for users. The arrangement of functional areas balances privacy with communal spaces, ensuring comfort and ease of movement.

Materials and Sustainability

A careful selection of materials highlights the project's commitment to sustainability. Clay panels, toughened load-bearing channel glass, and a stone wall illustrate the relationship with the natural environment. These materials provide structural support, while also assisting with climate control inside the cabin. The stone wall serves as a stable, grounding element, contributing to the overall design.

Functional Details

Practical features in Pedra Livre enhance usability and promote resource efficiency. A low-flow faucet is included to reduce water use, aligning with the focus on sustainability. Additionally, a planted gutter system manages rainwater, reflecting an understanding of environmental considerations in design.

Interior spaces are designed to support various well-being practices, with work surfaces and storage solutions that meet functional needs. This attention to detail allows users to engage in different activities without detracting from the underlying tranquility of the space.

Natural light pours through the large windows, framing views of the landscape. This design choice creates a setting for reflection and pause, inviting users to connect with the beauty that surrounds them.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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