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Rammed Earth Pods with Natural Ventilation for Mindful Retreats

Authors:
Ieva Stripeikaitė, Agnė Šedytė, Indraja Černiauskaitė
Rammed Earth Pods with Natural Ventilation for Mindful Retreats

Project in-detail

Constructed from rammed earth and designed with natural ventilation, the individual pods provide a serene retreat for mindfulness and reflection amidst the striking landscape of Vale de Mosas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction enhances thermal performance while blending with the natural landscape.
02
Individual pod layout prioritizes privacy and personal reflection for users.
03
Natural ventilation promotes air quality and comfort in each living space.
04
Rainwater collection systems support sustainability and resource efficiency.
05
Large windows provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains and trees.

The design located near the Vale de Mosas yoga retreat incorporates individual pods that connect with the surrounding landscape. The setting promotes peace and introspection, catering to those who seek tranquility. The overall approach emphasizes mindfulness and sustainability, offering a relaxed atmosphere where occupants can focus on their well-being and connection to nature.

Materiality

Rammed earth walls define the character of each pod, offering both beauty and practicality. These walls help control the temperature inside, creating a comfortable environment that supports relaxation and meditation. The warm orange hues blend with the natural surroundings, reinforcing the effort to unify the structures with their environment. The tactile nature of the walls invites a hands-on interaction, enhancing the calming experience of being in such proximity to nature.

Design and Layout

Thoughtful planning governs the layout of the pods, with a focus on privacy and personal space. Each pod is placed with care, ensuring ample distance between them, which allows for individual retreats. The organic shapes of the structures complement the landscape, maintaining a balance that respects the existing environment. This arrangement fosters a sense of safety while encouraging a deeper appreciation for nature.

Sustainable Features

Sustainability is a key theme in the design. A rainwater collection system is integrated into the architecture, which captures rainfall from the roofs and directs it to a storage tank for household use. This system promotes resource conservation and supports the idea of self-sufficiency. The inclusion of solar panels also reflects a commitment to renewable energy, further embedding sustainability into the project's framework.

Interior Experience

Inside the pods, the design aims to enhance well-being and mindfulness. Large windows provide views of the mountains and trees, creating a strong connection to the outdoors. The minimal interiors allow for a gentle focus on personal reflection, free from distractions. Natural light permeates the spaces, fostering a warm and uplifting atmosphere that aligns with the overall goal of creating a calming retreat for the individuals who inhabit them.

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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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