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Pine Wood Retreat Featuring Transparent Glass Walls and Sustainable Local Materials

Authors:
Barbara Zedkova, Lenka Mrzilkova, Anna Hermannova, Nadia Kościow
Pine Wood Retreat Featuring Transparent Glass Walls and Sustainable Local Materials

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced pine wood and integrated glass walls, this retreat immerses visitors in nature while offering adaptable spaces for mindfulness and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced pine wood for structural elements, reinforcing sustainability and regional character.
02
Features expansive glass walls that seamlessly connect interior spaces with the surrounding landscape.
03
Employs a modular design, allowing for flexible adaptations based on user needs and activities.
04
Incorporates traditional Portuguese tiles, linking modern architecture to local cultural heritage.
05
Designed to optimize natural ventilation through strategic openings, enhancing indoor air quality while minimizing energy use.
The Vale de Moses Casa de Conexão is an architectural project designed with a deep commitment to fostering connection—both among individuals and with the surrounding natural environment. Nestled in a tranquil setting, this design serves as a retreat that emphasizes restoration, mindfulness, and quiet reflection, drawing users into an immersive experience that harmonizes architecture with nature.

This project represents a conceptual shift towards creating spaces that are more than mere structures; it seeks to provide environments that cultivate well-being and personal growth. The Casa de Conexão is designed as a sanctuary where individuals can find solace and clarity, connecting inwardly and outwardly. Its primary function is to facilitate activities rooted in self-discovery and communal interaction, making it an adaptable space suitable for workshops, personal retreats, or collaborative gatherings.

The design highlights several significant elements that contribute to its overall mission. The use of modular forms indicates an intention for flexibility, allowing occupants to personalize the space based on their needs. The architecture incorporates translucent barriers, such as pivoting glass walls, which provide seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments. This design choice enhances the occupants' experience by allowing natural light to filter through while maintaining privacy when necessary. The intent is to blur the lines between interior and exterior, inviting nature into everyday life.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the project's design philosophy. The architects have chosen a palette that emphasizes local resources, including locally sourced pine wood and natural stone. These materials not only contribute to a warm and inviting aesthetic but also align with the principles of sustainability. Incorporating traditional Portuguese tiles adds cultural significance, linking modern practices with regional heritage. The roofing system, equipped with photovoltaic panels, underscores the project's commitment to sustainability, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into the surrounding landscape while minimizing environmental impact.

The site planning has been executed with an expert understanding of the landscape and its elements. Strategic orientation of the building takes into account factors like sunlight and wind patterns, optimizing comfort throughout the day. Effective landscaping complements the architecture, with careful consideration for local plant species that enhance biodiversity. The inclusion of outdoor spaces presents opportunities for both solitude and communal engagement, giving inhabitants the freedom to choose where they feel most comfortable.

What distinguishes the Vale de Moses Casa de Conexão is its holistic approach to architectural design. The project prioritizes user experience, ensuring that every aspect caters to personal and communal needs. This approach is evident in the flexible spaces designed for various uses, allowing occupants to adapt the environment to suit their activities. The architecture encourages a deeper connection with the environment, fostering mindfulness and well-being in a manner that aligns with contemporary values around health and sustainability.

The design strategies employed in this project provide a blueprint for future architectural endeavors focused on wellness and sustainability. By marrying robust architectural principles with innovative design ideas, the Casa de Conexão offers a forward-thinking model rooted in ecological responsibility and personal focus. This project illustrates how thoughtful architecture can serve as a catalyst for social interaction and self-discovery.

For those interested in exploring detailed insights into the Vale de Moses Casa de Conexão, including the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that shaped this endeavor, further examination of the project presentation is encouraged. Delving deeper into the unique architectural ideas and design approaches will provide a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable undertaking.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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