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Rubble Masonry Framework Embraces Natural Light for Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Adelina Farvazova, Ksenia Akimova
Rubble Masonry Framework Embraces Natural Light for Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

With its rubble masonry corridor and panoramic windows that invite abundant natural light, this wellness retreat offers a serene environment designed for yoga and meditation practices, fostering personal growth and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rubble masonry integrates traditional Portuguese building techniques with modern wellness design.
02
Panoramic windows connect indoor yoga practices with the surrounding landscape.
03
A stone corridor enhances natural light while creating a sensory transition between spaces.
04
Sliding windows facilitate ventilation and spatial flow during favorable weather.
05
Thick linen curtains allow for controlled lighting during yoga and meditation sessions.

Nutra da Casa is located in the hills of Portugal and is designed to promote overall well-being through a series of interconnected areas. The concept is inspired by the idea of chakras, symbolizing a journey of personal growth and self-awareness. Each space within the structure is thoughtfully crafted to support physical and mental wellness, encouraging visitors to engage with their surroundings meaningfully.

Spatial Organization

The layout has been carefully planned to guide visitors through various spaces that cater to health and relaxation. Upon entry, the yoga hall captures immediate attention. This central area sets a calming tone. Surrounding the yoga hall is a stone corridor made of rubble masonry, a traditional aspect of Portuguese building styles. This corridor offers a sensory transition, letting in natural light and creating a rich textural experience that prepares visitors for what lies ahead.

Natural Light and Connection to Landscape

Natural light is a significant component in the design, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The main yoga room features large panoramic windows that frame views of the Vale de Moses. This design choice helps to create a connection with the outside world, allowing visitors to feel integrated into the landscape. Sunlight filters through the windows, and a skylight provides additional lighting. This connection to nature contributes to a serene and peaceful environment, which is essential for meditation and yoga practices.

Functional Spaces

The design includes various functional areas, such as changing rooms, saunas, and massage rooms, each thoughtfully placed to facilitate smooth transitions. These spaces are intended to work in harmony, promoting a continuous flow of experiences that aid in relaxation and detoxification. On the second floor, sliding windows provide ventilation and a sense of openness during pleasant weather, while thick linen curtains allow users to manage lighting effectively. This attention to detail is vital for maintaining focus during yoga and meditation sessions.

Design Details

Nutra da Casa places emphasis on details that enhance the user experience. The tactile quality of the cold stones, sourced from a nearby river, complements the rugged charm of the rubble masonry. This design choice creates a balanced interaction with the natural landscape. The result is a nurturing environment where visitors can fully immerse themselves in their pursuit of wellness, supporting their personal journeys in a tranquil setting.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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