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Pods Crafted from Agro-Waste in a Pine Forest Retreat

Authors:
Ian Cox, Bashara Van Den Heever
Pods Crafted from Agro-Waste in a Pine Forest Retreat
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Crafted from agro-waste and inspired by the maritime pine ecosystem, the pod structures provide a sustainable retreat space that fosters relaxation and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from agro-waste materials for sustainability.
02
Inspired by the natural growth patterns of maritime pine seeds.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design for structural efficiency.
04
Designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding forest environment.
05
Maximizes natural light and ventilation through openable panels.

The Seedling Pods project is situated in the tranquil landscape of the Serra de Estrela mountains, designed to provide accommodation for visitors at Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat. The design focuses on creating an immersive experience in nature, using principles of biomimicry to strengthen the bond between the built environment and its surroundings. These pods serve as spaces for relaxation and contemplation, integrating themes of growth and renewal that reflect the natural world.

Design Concept

Inspired by the maritime pine trees of the region, the design resembles a seed breaking free from a pinecone. This metaphor captures the essence of growth and regeneration, allowing the architecture to engage with its environment. The shape of the pods shifts to reveal interior spaces, reminiscent of how seeds germinate and contribute to a surrounding ecosystem. This concept encourages users to connect deeply with nature, aligning with the retreat’s focus on yoga and self-discovery.

Spatial Organization

Inside the pods, the layout includes three main areas: sleeping, relaxation, and living spaces. Each area is carefully arranged to improve user experience, facilitating easy movement and providing views of the landscape. Entering the pod, users find themselves in an inner shell that creates a protective and comfortable atmosphere. The relaxation area flows smoothly onto an exterior deck, allowing occupants to engage with the environment directly. The sleeping area, located in the upper section of the pod, offers a secure retreat that enhances the feeling of being cradled by nature.

Sustainable Materiality

Sustainability is a key focus in the design, with agro-waste used as non-conventional building materials. The project incorporates resources such as weeds, straw, hemp, and wood shavings for wall infill. These materials contribute to the thermal insulation of the pods while demonstrating responsible choices in construction practices. Prefabricated timber panels filled with these organic materials are crafted off-site by local artisans, allowing for efficient assembly and a reduced impact on the environment.

Aesthetic and Functional Details

The overall form of the Seedling Pods features a gentle curve that blends with the natural landscape. This design not only adds visual interest but also improves the interaction between interior and exterior spaces. Each pod maximizes natural light and ventilation, fostering an inviting atmosphere that supports relaxation. Openable panels enhance this connection to the outdoors, empowering inhabitants to fully appreciate the beauty of their surroundings during their stay.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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