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Sculptural Stone Tower with Integrated Grey Water System in a Serene Retreat

Authors:
Wei Yu, Jacqueline Twardowski
Sculptural Stone Tower with Integrated Grey Water System in a Serene Retreat

Project in-detail

A sculptural stone tower incorporates a grey water collection system, complementing the floating wooden sanctuary to create a private retreat amid the natural landscape of Vale de Moses.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sculptural stone tower designed for grey water collection.
02
Wooden sanctuary appears to float above the terrain.
03
Widened entry threshold promotes comfort and privacy.
04
Meditation garden integrated at the cabin’s entrance.
05
Materials sourced locally to enhance sustainability.

Scattered Stones is set in the quiet landscape of Vale de Moses, a region characterized by its healing forests, gentle waters, and significant stone formations. The design emphasizes a strong connection between the cabin and its surroundings, creating a space that encourages relaxation and reflection. It aims to blend indoor and outdoor experiences, offering a restorative retreat for those who visit.

Design Concept

The building features two main stone elements: a linear wall and a sculptural tower. These components anchor the cabin to the land, providing both structural support and visual interest. The sculptural tower, made from local stone and clay, is designed to manage grey water while enhancing the overall look of the meditation garden. This thoughtful integration of form and function is central to the cabin's concept.

Spatial Configuration

The cabin's layout is carefully arranged to maximize privacy while offering views of the Vale. A wooden sanctuary appears to float above the ground, inviting visitors with its welcoming form. As occupants enter, they find a widened threshold that enhances comfort and privacy, creating a soothing atmosphere that facilitates relaxation. This design choice reflects the goal of creating a nurturing space.

Material Integration

Concrete serves as the foundation for crucial structural elements, ensuring stability for both the linear wall and the sculptural tower. Local stone and clay are chosen for their thermal properties, allowing the cabin to maintain a comfortable climate naturally. Wood is used throughout the structure, fostering a visual and tactile connection between the building and its natural surroundings. This selection of materials supports the intention of sustainability while achieving a cohesive aesthetic.

Natural Light and Connection

Light is an important aspect of the design, with gentle rays filtering through wooden slats that guide visitors through the interior. This feature not only creates a warm atmosphere but also frames picturesque views of the landscape. At the entry, a meditation garden acts as a bridge between the cabin and nature. It encourages mindfulness and engagement with the surrounding beauty. The carefully designed interaction with the garden enhances the calming environment, inviting occupants to immerse themselves in the tranquility of their surroundings.

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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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