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Nature-Integrated Retreat with Brick and Living Facade

Authors:
Hao Wang, Hansen Sentosa
Nature-Integrated Retreat with Brick and Living Facade

Project in-detail

With a focus on brick construction and a living facade that intertwines with surrounding vegetation, the retreat provides a serene space for relaxation and wellness in the Vale de Moses.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to blend with vegetation, creating a dynamic living facade.
02
Sleeping pods adapt and transform as surrounding plant life grows.
03
Constructed using locally sourced brick for sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
04
Enhanced thermal efficiency helps reduce energy consumption.
05
Strategic orientation maximizes natural light and scenic views.

The Pasithea Cabin is located in the peaceful Vale de Moses and focuses on providing a space for relaxation and meditation. Inspired by the Greek figure Pasithea, the design embraces both local materials and traditional architectural forms. The cabin is crafted to help individuals reconnect with nature, creating an environment that promotes calm and introspection.

Material and Concept

The design takes cues from Portuguese brick architecture, using bricks to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The colors chosen for the exterior reflect shades of brown-red and light yellow, bringing a touch of the natural world into the structure. Bricks provide stability and strength, and their abundance in the local area makes them a sustainable choice. This method of construction emphasizes a deep connection to the local landscape.

Innovative Design Features

Sleeping pods are a unique aspect of the cabin. These spaces are designed to grow and blend with the surrounding vegetation over time. As plants start to climb the building, they create a living façade that softens the structure's outline. This interaction not only enhances the visual appeal but also makes the occupants feel more in tune with the landscape, allowing for peaceful views of the surrounding area.

Functional Layout

The arrangement of the cabin caters to a variety of activities focused on wellness. Spaces are created for yoga and relaxation, as well as areas for cooking and socializing. The design allows flexibility, enabling occupants to enjoy the cabin according to their needs. Attention to detail ensures a smooth flow between spaces, helping to foster a sense of comfort and well-being.

Environmental Integration

Positioning plays a crucial role in maximizing light and views while respecting the natural contours of the landscape. The cabin is designed to maintain the integrity of the environment, giving it a place within the scenery rather than dominating it. This careful integration encourages a rich interaction between the structure and nature, inviting users to immerse themselves in their surroundings.

Large openings in the design provide access to fresh air and sunlight, enhancing the indoor environment. The combination of elements creates a space that feels connected to the outdoors, allowing occupants to experience the tranquility of the Vale de Moses without barriers.

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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
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