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Rammed Earth Retreat Featuring Corrugated Glass and Rooftop Garden Nestled in a Serene Landscape

Author:
Fabio Ribeiro
Rammed Earth Retreat Featuring Corrugated Glass and Rooftop Garden Nestled in a Serene Landscape

Project in-detail

With its rammed earth construction and a rooftop garden that captures rainwater, this retreat offers a serene environment for yoga and meditation while seamlessly integrating sustainable practices into its tranquil landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The retreat incorporates a rooftop garden that efficiently captures rainwater for irrigation and enhances biodiversity.
02
Rammed earth walls provide excellent thermal mass, promoting energy efficiency and reducing heating costs.
03
The design prioritizes cross-ventilation through strategically placed operable windows, ensuring natural airflow throughout the interior.
04
Natural light is maximized via expansive glass facades, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
05
A communal area is designed to foster group interactions, enhancing the sense of community among retreat participants.
The Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat represents a thoughtful exploration of architecture in harmony with nature, aiming to provide a nurturing environment for personal growth and wellness. Located in a secluded valley, this project skillfully blends modern architectural principles with the timeless values of retreat culture, thereby creating a space that encourages reflection, tranquility, and community connectivity. The design focuses on promoting a holistic experience through its careful integration into the landscape and its function as a wellness haven.

Functionally, the Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat serves as a multifaceted space for various activities, including yoga practice, meditation, workshops, and communal gatherings. The architecture is oriented to enhance the user’s relationship with the surrounding environment, providing expansive views that foster a sense of peace and connection to nature. This retreat is not merely a passive space; it actively engages users in their surroundings, guiding them towards a mindful experience that promotes well-being.

The layout of the project is carefully considered to ensure that every element serves a purpose, both practical and spiritual. Key areas include a spacious yoga studio designed to welcome daylight through strategically placed windows, creating an inclusive atmosphere for practitioners. Complementary spaces, such as a small kitchenette and shower areas, are seamlessly incorporated to provide comfort and convenience. The spaces are interconnected by natural pathways that encourage exploration and interaction with the retreat’s landscape.

The design reflects a philosophy of sustainability, utilizing a material palette chosen for its environmental responsiveness. Rammed earth forms the structural basis of the building, providing both thermal mass and an organic connection to the earth. This material choice aligns with the retreat’s emphasis on utilizing local resources, thereby reducing the environmental footprint. Additionally, wood is a prominent feature, selected for flooring and finishes to enhance the warm and inviting nature of the interiors while also ensuring durability.

Glass is employed in the building, particularly for expansive fenestration, allowing for visual continuity between the interior and the natural surroundings. This not only maximizes natural light but also creates a dynamic space where users can feel the shifting qualities of the environment throughout the day. Operable windows offer opportunities for cross-ventilation, creating a comfortable atmosphere that encourages occupants to engage fully with their surroundings.

Unique design approaches characterize this project, particularly in how it addresses ecological sustainability. Incorporating a rooftop garden not only serves aesthetic purposes but also functions as a practical element allied to water management strategies. This garden acts as a living system that collects rainwater, illustrating an adaptive approach to landscape utilization. The conscious choice to promote self-sufficiency through elements like firewood storage acknowledges traditional practices, enriching the overall experience of retreat participants.

Moreover, the integration of outdoor spaces such as terraces and gardens enhances the communal aspect of the retreat, inviting users to gather and reflect in nature. These spaces are not simply adjuncts but are essential to the project’s intent, emphasizing the reality of living closely with the landscape and nurturing connections among users.

The Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat stands as a commendable example of how architecture can foster wellness through mindful design. Its careful integration with the site serves to enhance the retreat experience while promoting sustainable practices that respect the environment. For those interested in understanding the nuances of this architectural endeavor, a closer examination of the architectural plans, sections, and unique design ideas can provide valuable insights into the thought process behind this inspiring project. Exploring the various facets of the Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat will not only enrich one’s appreciation for contemporary architecture but also highlight the significance of designing spaces that resonate deeply with their natural context.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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