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Rammed Earth Structures with Laminated Timber Integration for a Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Muhammad Shahmir Ali Adnan, Ernest Che Chun Tse, Arash Ghafoori
Rammed Earth Structures with Laminated Timber Integration for a Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth and laminated timber, the design harmonizes with its landscape to create a tranquil retreat that fosters wellness through intentional spaces for meditation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth construction for natural thermal regulation and durability.
02
Incorporates laminated timber for structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to enhance spatial dynamics and light entry.
04
Includes a dedicated Zen garden to promote relaxation and meditation.
05
Employs recycled water systems for efficient resource management.
Tres Casas is an architectural design project located in Amiera, Portugal, focused on creating a serene environment that promotes wellness through the principles of yoga and meditation. This project consists of three interconnected structures that facilitate personal reflection and communal activities, emphasizing harmony with the natural surroundings. The architectural design reflects an understanding of sustainability, integrating ecological materials and energy-efficient systems throughout the site.

The project serves multiple functions, including spaces for individual introspection, relaxation, and social engagement. Each structure—Casa do Verde, Casa de Banho, and Casa de Referências—offers unique environments tailored to enhance different aspects of well-being. The overall layout encourages interaction with the landscape while creating sheltered spaces that invite users to engage with both nature and themselves.

Materiality and Structural Design
The material selection in Tres Casas is critical to its design, utilizing rammed earth walls for thermal mass, laminated timber for structural supports, and metal roofing for rainwater collection. The use of these materials promotes both sustainability and aesthetic warmth. Large glass openings throughout the design serve to connect interior spaces with the picturesque outdoor environments, facilitating a seamless transition between the built environment and nature.

The incorporation of high-capacity rainwater collection systems and solar heat exchange mechanisms demonstrates an innovative approach to resource management. These features are essential in minimizing the ecological footprint of the project while enhancing its functionality. The architectural design emphasizes not only the physical attributes of the structure but also its impact on users' mental and emotional health.

Spatial Relationships and User Experience
Tres Casas is strategically organized to create distinct areas while ensuring cohesive circulation among them. Each space is purposefully designed to support various activities—from solitary practice in Casa do Verde to group interactions in Casa de Referências. The Zen Garden complements these structures by providing an area for relaxation and further reflection. This thoughtful arrangement enhances the user's experience by creating a clear flow between spaces, enhancing interactions within the community while respecting individual journeys.

Innovative architectural details, such as the transition zones between interior and exterior environments, allow for natural light to flood the spaces, fostering a sense of tranquility. The incorporation of nature into the user experience is a focal point of the design, with the landscape playing a crucial role in the overall project aesthetic.

For those interested in understanding the intricacies of Tres Casas, exploring the detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs will yield insights into the unique approaches employed in this project. The careful integration of sustainable practices within a mindful architectural framework presents a comprehensive model applicable to future endeavors in the field of wellness architecture.
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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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