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Plexiglass Facades and Sloping Walls in a Sustainable Nature Retreat

Authors:
Paolo Mastronardi, Dalila Santoro
Plexiglass Facades and Sloping Walls in a Sustainable Nature Retreat

Project in-detail

With sloping walls and a transparent plexiglass façade, the design enhances the interaction between interior spaces and the surrounding pine forest, creating a sustainable retreat focused on relaxation and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design utilizes golden ratios for pod dimensions.
02
Transparent façade allows for abundant natural light.
03
Sleeping pods can adapt to various terrains.
04
Materials chosen for full recyclability and sustainability.
05
Focused on enhancing user connection to the surrounding nature.

The project in Val de Moses embraces principles of balance and stability found in the practice of Asana. Located among the serene pine forests, the design seeks to create a retreat that promotes psychophysical well-being. It focuses on connecting the structure with nature, encouraging a relationship that enhances the overall experience for its users.

Design Concept

The design process began with careful observation of local building forms, especially cottages featuring pitched roofs and tent-like structures. This analysis informed the dimensions and layouts of the sleeping pods, which were developed using the golden ratios to ensure harmony with their natural setting. The result is a design that aims to fit comfortably into the landscape while offering a peaceful space for relaxation.

Spatial Organization

The layout is thoughtfully arranged, with specific areas designated for relaxation and meditation. These spaces are crafted to enhance mindfulness, featuring clear pathways and functional zones that invite users to engage with both interior and exterior settings. The design prioritizes the user experience, allowing for a strong interaction with the surrounding environment.

Material Selection

Materials play an important role in the construction, emphasizing sustainability and connection to nature. Wood is used as the main structural element and for cladding, lending warmth to the design. The façade incorporates plexiglass to let in natural light, bridging the gap between indoor spaces and the outdoors. Steel is utilized for various carpentry elements, offering structural support, while metal bars enhance stability. Foundations are constructed from durable materials, providing a solid base across different terrains.

Functional Adaptability

A key feature of the sleeping pods is their adaptability, allowing them to be placed on various terrains with foundations designed on poles. This approach offers versatility and the option for relocation if needed. Each pod is crafted to accommodate different landscapes without sacrificing stability or visual appeal.

The sloping walls of the sleeping pods contribute to an engaging visual presence and enhance the overall experience while maintaining a connection with the surrounding nature. These thoughtful design choices reflect a commitment to blending architecture harmoniously with the environment.

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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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