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Recycled Wood Sanctuary with Zen Garden Integration

Authors:
Dimitris Katsampalos, Nafsika Pitsou
Recycled Wood Sanctuary with Zen Garden Integration

Project in-detail

Large roll-down windows and a Zen Garden complement a structure built from recycled wood, creating a serene retreat designed for mental uplift and spiritual exploration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large roll-down windows create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
02
Solar panels provide energy autonomy for sustainable living.
03
The cabin is surrounded by a Zen Garden, enhancing relaxation and mindfulness.
04
Recycled wood materials are used throughout the structure for environmental sustainability.
05
The design features a compact footprint, making it suitable for secluded settings.

The Yoga House on a Cliff, located in Vale de Moses, Portugal, is designed as a peaceful retreat meant for mental uplift and spiritual exploration. The wooden cabin emphasizes minimalism and a strong connection to nature, creating an inviting space for reflection and well-being.

Architectural Concept

The design focuses on simplicity and tranquility. The cabin features large roll-down windows that allow natural light to fill the interior while providing unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. This approach encourages an interaction between indoors and outdoors, making the experience of being in the cabin feel more expansive and connected to nature.

Sustainability and Material Choices

Sustainability plays a key role in the design. Solar panels on the roof contribute to energy independence, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. The use of various types of wood along with recycled materials supports this aim, while also enhancing the aesthetic quality of the cabin. These selections minimize the environmental impact, aligning with the growing interest in more sustainable building practices.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the cabin skillfully balances practical areas with spaces meant for relaxation. It includes essential features such as a kitchen, a leisure area, and a changing room, designed to allow easy movement and flow between the different spaces. The Zen Garden at the entrance adds to the calming atmosphere, serving as a welcoming point that encourages mindfulness upon arrival.

A notable design detail is the balcony, which encourages residents to engage with the natural surroundings while enjoying moments of solitude or connection with others in the serene environment.

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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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