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Pine Wood Shelter Featuring Rainwater Collection in Natural Landscape

Author:
Diogo Sanches
Pine Wood Shelter Featuring Rainwater Collection in Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

A rainwater collection system complements the pine wood structure of this compact shelter, seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings to create a dedicated space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rainwater is collected and filtered for sustainable use in the shelter.
02
Light-colored plywood lines the interior, contrasting with dark pine wood exterior.
03
The design includes a skylight that connects occupants to the treetops.
04
Four supportive pillars elevate the structure, minimizing ground contact.
05
Distinct areas for sleeping, living, and bathing are contained within 25 square meters.

Nature's Refuge is located within the Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat in Amieira, Castelo Branco. The design functions as a small and inviting shelter, focusing on the connection between people and the natural environment. Inspired by the traditional idea of the primitive hut, the structure emphasizes simplicity and essential functions, creating a space for relaxation, meditation, and reflection.

Architectural Concept

The design starts with the belief that shelter is a basic need for humans. By using a modular approach that has a base unit of 125 cm x 125 cm, the plans promote efficiency in construction. This choice allows for the use of standard plywood sizes, reducing material waste. The careful arrangement of spaces supports both functionality and sustainability, aligning with modern architectural principles.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the layout is thoughtfully organized to meet specific needs. The shelter features distinct areas for sleeping, living, bathing, and storage, all within a total area of 25 square meters. This compact configuration maximizes usability while creating an intimate atmosphere that invites reflection. The design includes a glass entrance door and a small balcony, which extend the interior space outdoors, allowing in natural light and providing views of the surrounding landscape.

Sustainable Features

A notable feature of Nature's Refuge is its rainwater collection system. Water from the roof flows into a storage deposit, where it is filtered for use in showers. This approach highlights a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that resources are managed responsibly. The system enables the building to minimize its ecological footprint, as grey water is treated before being released, protecting the local plants and environment.

Materiality and Aesthetics

The choice of materials plays an important role in the overall feel of the space. The interior is lined with light-colored plywood, which gives the shelter a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In contrast, the exterior uses dark pine wood, resembling the texture of nearby trees. This combination not only enhances the visual appeal but also strengthens the relationship between the structure and its natural surroundings.

Above, a skylight allows natural light to flow in and creates a connection to the canopy outside. This design element captures the essence of the shelter, offering a sense of openness and a direct link to nature, which is central to the experience at the Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat.

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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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