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Pine Wood Retreat Embracing Nature Through Sliding Shutters

Author:
Cláudia Nunes
Pine Wood Retreat Embracing Nature Through Sliding Shutters

Project in-detail

Incorporating sliding shutters for adaptable privacy and constructed primarily from locally sourced pine wood, the retreat seamlessly integrates into its landscape, providing a tranquil space for meditation and self-reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates adjustable bases to adapt to varying terrain.
02
Sliding shutters allow for personalized control of light and privacy.
03
Modular platforms connect cabins, creating dynamic outdoor spaces.
04
The retreat utilizes local pine wood for structural and aesthetic purposes.
05
Greywater from sinks is reused to nourish surrounding gardens.

The Cocoon is an architectural design that highlights the relationship between a building and its natural surroundings, creating a space for meditation and reflection. Located in a tranquil area, it serves as a retreat, designed with a focus on safety and comfort. The concept prioritizes user experience, allowing individuals to engage deeply with nature while finding solace in an enclosed environment.

Design Concept

The Cocoon embodies the idea that meditation is best supported by a space that balances openness and privacy. The structure's form is structured to blend with the landscape, diminishing its presence within the environment. This careful consideration allows the building to complement its natural surroundings, providing a peaceful setting that encourages contemplation.

Spatial Organization

The interior layout offers two distinct spaces to meet varied needs. The ground floor features large windows that provide wide views, enabling quiet observation of the outside world. Minimal visual barriers enhance the experience of being around nature. Users can manage privacy and light levels with sliding shutters, maintaining a comfortable atmosphere. In contrast, the first floor allows for greater interaction with the elements, encouraging occupants to connect with the outdoors.

Sustainable Features

A strong commitment to sustainability runs through The Cocoon. It is designed to be self-sufficient, generating its own energy and utilizing systems for water management. Adjustable bases help the building adapt to the terrain, ensuring minimal disruption to the local ecosystem. The connection between the cabins is achieved through modular wooden platforms, which create additional outdoor spaces for meditation and facilitate the reuse of grey water to nourish surrounding vegetation.

Material Selection

Materials in The Cocoon are chosen to reflect the local environment and promote sustainability. The use of pine wood throughout the structure not only ties the building to the region but also supports local resources. This choice enhances the design’s connection to nature while ensuring that the materials are functional and practical.

The adaptable sliding shutters provide flexibility for users, allowing privacy when needed while also inviting natural light and air into the space. This feature supports a comfortable atmosphere, whether for personal reflection or shared experiences in the outdoors.

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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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