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Rainwater-Focused Retreat Featuring Triangular Wooden Structure and Polycarbonate Panels

Authors:
Alejandro Fleitas valido, Marina Mendoza sarmiento, Ricardo Pereira pérez de los cobos
Rainwater-Focused Retreat Featuring Triangular Wooden Structure and Polycarbonate Panels

Project in-detail

Utilizing a triangular wooden structure with polycarbonate panels, the design incorporates an efficient rainwater harvesting system, providing a sustainable retreat for wellness therapies in the natural setting of Vale de Moses.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a triangular form to enhance structural stability and visual appeal.
02
Features an autonomous rainwater harvesting system for sustainable resource use.
03
Incorporates polycarbonate panels that open fully for improved natural ventilation.
04
Adjustable wooden pilotis adapt the structure to varying terrain conditions.
05
Designed to allow maximum natural light while maintaining user comfort.

Located in the serene Vale de Moses, the design aims to blend built spaces with the surrounding natural environment. The project serves as a retreat where visitors can participate in wellness therapies, particularly massage. The central design concept revolves around the use of the equilateral triangle, a shape that symbolizes simplicity and efficiency while addressing the fundamental need for shelter.

Geometric Form and Functionality

The equilateral triangle serves as the primary element of the design. This geometric shape offers both stability and a pleasing visual aspect. The structure widens at the base and narrows at the top, which allows for effective water drainage and maximizes the available internal space. Within this triangular framework, essential amenities like changing rooms and storage areas are integrated, ensuring practical needs are met while maintaining an open, inviting atmosphere.

Sustainable Practices

An important aspect of the design is its rainwater harvesting system. This system collects and filters rainwater for use inside the building. By doing so, it promotes sustainable resources and encourages visitors to engage with the idea of environmental responsibility. The design reflects a commitment to minimizing ecological impact while highlighting the importance of water management in the natural landscape.

Materiality and Adaptability

The structure is primarily made of three wooden beams that form the triangular framework. This choice provides strength while keeping the design simple. Polycarbonate panels are also a key feature, allowing these panels to be opened completely, creating a connection between inside and outside. This flexibility enhances the user experience by providing natural ventilation during warmer weather and collecting solar heat during colder months.

Relationship with the Landscape

To adapt to the natural topography, the project uses adjustable wooden pilotis for its foundation. This approach allows the structure to remain stable while respecting the lay of the land. Such design decisions not only fulfill practical needs but also connect with the surroundings. The result is an inviting retreat that fosters a sense of tranquility, encouraging visitors to engage more deeply with the environment around them. The architecture stands as a thoughtful response to both human needs and the beauty of nature.

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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

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