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Nature-Integrated Zen Space with Sustainable Practices

Authors:
Luis alfonso Gutierrez suarez, Efrén antonio Reyes pérez, Maria fernanda Jaimez charry, Juan Sebastián García Zamora
Nature-Integrated Zen Space with Sustainable Practices

Project in-detail

With a Zen garden and elements of forest bathing, the design integrates sustainable practices and unobstructed views of Vale de Moses to create a dedicated space for meditation and yoga.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a biodigester for organic waste management.
02
Zen garden elements are integrated to enhance meditation experiences.
03
The layout maximizes natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Rainwater collection systems support garden irrigation and sustainability.
05
Gray water is reused for toilet facilities, promoting resource efficiency.

The Quiet House is located in the Vale de Moses and is designed as a space for meditation and yoga practice. It serves as a sanctuary, allowing individuals to connect deeply with their surroundings. The design concept is rooted in harmony and calmness, allowing the building to integrate naturally into the landscape while providing a comforting environment.

Architecture Concept

The design focuses on practical spaces that support yoga activities. An elongated structure enhances movement within the facility, making it easy to navigate between different areas. Service spaces, such as the lobby and kitchen, connect well with dedicated zones for yoga and outdoor activities. The yoga area has been thoughtfully placed to offer clear views of the Vale de Moses, making nature an integral part of the practice.

Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability plays an important role in the project. Several features aim to reduce environmental impact. Rainwater collection systems provide irrigation for gardens, while gray water is reused for toilets. A biodigester processes organic waste, converting it into biogas for potential energy use. These strategies reflect a commitment to efficient resource management and support the facility’s overall purpose.

Connection to Nature

The design draws inspiration from Shinrin-yoku, which means “forest bathing.” This principle encourages visitors to engage with nature directly. A Zen garden is incorporated into the layout, promoting feelings of stability, fluidity, transformation, and rhythm. Each feature is chosen carefully to create a peaceful environment suitable for meditation and reflection.

Materiality

Details on materials are limited, but the project upholds the idea of invisibility in architecture. The aim is to use materials that do not distract from the beauty of the Vale de Moses. This emphasis helps to ensure that the building maintains a low profile within its environment, allowing nature to remain the focal point and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The design encourages a deep sense of awareness, fostering connections between people and the environment through thoughtfully designed spaces and elements that reflect the surrounding landscape.

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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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