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Round Pods with Polywood Panels Offering Panoramic Views in Nature

Authors:
Airė Romaškevičiūtė, Samanta Kajėnaitė, Gabrielė Girdauskaitė, Margarita Stanulevičiūtė
Round Pods with Polywood Panels Offering Panoramic Views in Nature

Project in-detail

Elevated sleeping pods constructed with polywood panels offer adjustable roofs and panoramic views, creating a connected living space for those seeking refuge in nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design allows for natural air circulation and easy access to utilities.
02
Round bed at the center promotes relaxation and comfort.
03
Adjustable roof features three modes for light control and privacy.
04
Polywood panels enhance durability while blending with the landscape.
05
Panoramic windows provide unobstructed views of the surrounding nature.

The sleeping pods at the Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat are designed to create a close connection with the surrounding landscape. Located in a peaceful area, these structures serve as accommodations for individuals looking for rest and renewal. The overall design concept highlights a blend between the natural environment and living space, with a focus on comfort and simplicity. The rounded shapes of the pods help them integrate with the scenery, promoting a sense of harmony.

Design Concept

The vision behind the sleeping pods focuses on providing an immersive experience in nature. The organic forms of the structures offer expansive views, making it easy for occupants to feel engaged with their surroundings. Inside, a round bed serves as the central feature, while the layout is organized to include all necessary areas for sleeping, relaxing, and maintaining privacy. This efficient arrangement allows for a cozy environment that encourages peace.

Adaptable Living Spaces

The sleeping pods are designed to be flexible. Their roofs can shift into three different positions: fully open for wide views, semi-closed for privacy, and completely closed to protect against sunlight. This adaptability helps ensure comfort for occupants, allowing them to personalize their experience based on personal preference and weather conditions.

Natural Ventilation and Materials

The design also includes a natural ventilation system. This system helps bring fresh air inside through openings placed thoughtfully around the structure. Such airflow is key to maintaining a comfortable atmosphere within the pods. Roofs made from polywood panels are used to provide durability and weather resistance, contributing to both the function and appearance of the pods.

Structural Integration

Elevating the pods off the ground gives them an airy appearance and allows for essential facilities like water and sewage systems to be included without disrupting their visual appeal. This approach minimizes environmental impact while ensuring that the living spaces remain practical. The added filtration systems help reduce harmful particles entering the soil, showcasing a commitment to environmental care.

Large windows frame the views, bringing the beauty of the outdoor landscape into each pod. Occupants can appreciate the serenity of the area, creating a calming atmosphere that complements the purpose of the retreat. The design promotes an experience where nature and comfort coexist, emphasizing a lifestyle focused on awareness and relaxation.

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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

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