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Reclaimed Wood and Site-Formed Concrete Retreat Embracing Natural Light in a Serene Landscape

Author:
Nathan Waisath
Reclaimed Wood and Site-Formed Concrete Retreat Embracing Natural Light in a Serene Landscape

Project in-detail

Crafted from reclaimed wood and local stone, this retreat harmonizes with its natural landscape while maximizing daylight, providing a tranquil space for meditation and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled glass façades to enhance natural lighting while minimizing heat gain.
02
Incorporates local found stone, ensuring a strong connection to its geographical context.
03
Features a flexible interior layout that adapts to various wellness activities and group sizes.
04
Employs a rainwater collection system to promote sustainable water management.
05
Integrates a meditative landscape with dedicated outdoor spaces for reflection and relaxation.
The Pedra Livre project is a thoughtfully designed architectural endeavor located in the Vale de Moisés region, an area synonymous with tranquility and natural beauty. This project embodies a unique vision centered around meditation, wellness, and a profound connection to the surrounding landscape. Designed to serve as a retreat for those seeking reflection and rejuvenation, Pedra Livre presents an environment that emphasizes harmony between the built and natural worlds.

The architecture of Pedra Livre reflects an integrated approach, skillfully crafting a space that facilitates both individual and collective experiences. It primarily serves as a center for meditation and wellness activities, offering facilities that support yoga, group gatherings, and personal reflection. The design is characterized by its use of local and sustainable materials, creating an essential relationship with the site and reinforcing the principles of environmental stewardship. This commitment is evident in the choice of materials like recycled channel glass, local found stone, reclaimed wood, site-formed concrete, toughened glass, and clay panels, each selected for its durability and aesthetic contribution to the overall project.

An essential element of the project is its structural composition. The design incorporates walls made from local stone, which rise from the surrounding earth, creating a visual and physical connection to the landscape. The roof, constructed with site-formed clay panels, presents a modern interpretation of traditional building techniques, offering both texture and thermal efficiency. This strategy not only enhances the building's relationship with its environment but also emphasizes a grounded, organic feel amidst the modernity of the architectural form.

Spaces within Pedra Livre are arranged to flow seamlessly from one area to another, permitting easy movement and fostering an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and contemplation. Large expanses of glass allow natural light to flood into the interiors, blurring the lines between inside and outside, while strategic landscaping creates private outdoor spaces for quiet contemplation. Every aspect of the design encourages occupants to engage with nature, promoting a holistic approach to health and well-being.

The project employs advanced lighting techniques that maximize daylight usage while minimizing energy consumption. Solar channels and carefully placed openings not only enhance the ambiance but also contribute to the building’s energy efficiency. Additionally, features such as a rainwater collection system highlight the project’s commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring that it operates within the natural limits of its environment.

One of the unique design approaches of Pedra Livre is its emphasis on flexibility. The interiors are designed to adapt to various activities, illustrating a modern understanding of space usage in wellness architecture. This adaptability allows the building to cater to diverse needs, whether for intimate meditation or larger group activities. Furthermore, the holistic emphasis on the environment is achieved through dedicated spaces for outdoor engagement, offering users opportunities to immerse themselves in nature.

The integration of sustainability, wellness, and community into the design of Pedra Livre establishes an architectural narrative that honors its natural setting. It serves not just as a shelter but as a dedicated space for personal growth and communal healing. The project's thoughtful execution ensures that it will remain relevant and beneficial to its community in the years to come.

For those interested in exploring this project in depth, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas will provide valuable insights into the thoughtful considerations that shaped Pedra Livre. Through these elements, one can gain a deeper appreciation of how architecture can respond to the nuanced needs of both its users and the environment.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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