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Recycled PET Ceilings and Triangular Forms Defining a Sustainable Wellness Retreat

Author:
Barbara Merlotti
Recycled PET Ceilings and Triangular Forms Defining a Sustainable Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing recycled PET ceilings and triangular forms, the design achieves an environmentally sensitive approach that enhances privacy and comfort, serving as a wellness retreat focused on yoga and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled PET ceilings provide natural light while reducing waste.
02
Triangular forms enhance structural stability and resonate with traditional architecture.
03
A rainwater collection system supports resource efficiency on-site.
04
A biodigester converts organic waste into energy, reinforcing sustainability.
05
Mezzanine heating offers a comfortable environment for yoga practice.

The Vale de Moses Yoga Cabins are set in a tranquil landscape designed for relaxation and yoga activities. The aim is to create a space that supports well-being while emphasizing sustainability. The approach combines traditional building methods with modern advancements, resulting in an inviting environment that respects both nature and the past.

Architectural Concept

The design incorporates triangular shapes that evoke the familiar image of a hut, connecting visitors to the historical context of ancient dwellings. This geometric form not only offers stability but also aligns well with the natural surroundings, reflecting the gable roofs typical of the area. Such shapes foster a sense of belonging and continuity, bringing a harmony between the cabins and the environment.

Materials and Structural Design

Fiber sheets made from recycled PET are used for the ceilings, allowing natural light to filter through the interiors. This material choice creates a contrast with the heavier stone floors and walls, balancing the visual elements of the design. The roof is inclined at a 60-degree angle to maximize solar heat absorption, which supports the installation of photovoltaic panels, enhancing energy efficiency.

Heating and Environmental Strategies

Heating is managed through a system that circulates warmth generated by a central fireplace. The design includes pipes beneath the mezzanine floor, ensuring comfort during yoga practices. The placement of windows is intentional, allowing privacy for clients receiving massages while promoting a calm atmosphere throughout the cabins.

Water Management and Resource Efficiency

An effective rainwater collection system directs runoff into underground pipes that lead to a filtration unit. This system enables the collection and reuse of water for toilets and sinks. Additionally, a wastewater recycling mechanism supports the project's ecological goals, contributing to an efficient water management strategy. A biodigester processes organic waste, generating energy and further enhancing the retreat's self-sufficiency.

The Vale de Moses Yoga Cabins embody thoughtful design that merges natural elements with practical functionality. Each feature serves a purpose, whether to provide comfort or to promote sustainability, resulting in a serene space focused on health and mindfulness.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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