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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.

## Overview
Located in Amiera, Portugal, "Tres Casas" is an architectural project that emphasizes a harmonious relationship between built environments and nature, drawing inspiration from yoga and mindfulness practices. The design seeks to promote mental and physical well-being by fostering deep connections between internal spaces and the external landscape, while ensuring a commitment to sustainability through careful material and construction choices.

## Spatial Organization
The layout of "Tres Casas" comprises three distinct structures: Casa do Verde, Casa de Banho, and Casa de Referências, along with a Zen Garden. Each space serves a specific function while encouraging interaction with nature and supporting a journey of personal reflection. Casa do Verde features expansive openings that frame views of the surrounding landscape, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments. Casa de Banho provides an intimate atmosphere for purification and relaxation, while Casa de Referências facilitates communal gatherings. The adjacent Zen Garden serves both as a meditative retreat and an aesthetic enhancement to the overall composition.

## Material and Sustainability
Sustainability is integral to the project's material selection, which includes rammed earth for thermal mass, laminated timber for structural warmth, and a double-layered metal roof to promote passive cooling and rainwater collection. The interiors benefit from strategically placed glass elements that allow natural light to penetrate the spaces, reinforcing connections with nature. Additionally, recycled water systems are incorporated to support sustainable resource management. This careful selection of materials not only addresses environmental concerns but also creates a warm, inviting atmosphere conducive to wellness and mindfulness practices.

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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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