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Solar-Powered Retreat with Dry Toilet Integration for Introspection

Authors:
Rigved Nimkhedkar, Mihir Kshirsagar, Parnavi Harde
Solar-Powered Retreat with Dry Toilet Integration for Introspection

Project in-detail

Incorporating solar panels and dry toilets, the retreat offers a sustainable and intimate setting for solitude and self-reflection within a thoughtfully designed landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates solar panels generating approximately 2KW of energy.
02
Utilizes dry toilets to significantly reduce water consumption.
03
Features a layout that balances privacy with natural engagement.
04
Constructed using pre-fabricated elements for efficient assembly.
05
Designed for solitude with focused areas for introspection and reflection.

Moksha is an architectural retreat designed to offer individuals a peaceful space for introspection and connection with nature. Located in a serene landscape, it serves those looking for solitude for four to five days. The design emphasizes a balance with the natural environment, creating a restorative place that fosters personal reflection while reducing ecological impact.

Environmental Sustainability

Sustainability is a key aspect of Moksha's design. The project is built to have a small carbon footprint, allowing the natural surroundings to remain intact even if the cabins were removed. Solar panels are included to capture sunlight and provide around 2KW of energy. Additionally, dry toilets are used to significantly lower water consumption, showcasing a strong commitment to managing resources wisely.

Spatial Organization

Moksha features a well-planned layout that focuses on privacy and easy access. The arrangement of cabins is designed to offer secluded areas while still encouraging connection to the surrounding landscape. Pathways are thoughtfully created to help guests move easily throughout the retreat. This design effectively balances solitude with opportunities to engage with nature.

Guest Comfort and Safety

The retreat also addresses guest comfort and safety through modern amenities. Electric and battery-operated insect repellents enhance the living experience, while electric heaters provide warmth during cooler months. Walkie-talkies are available for easy communication with on-site support, ensuring that guests can receive assistance when needed.

Construction methods used in Moksha include plinth placement and the installation of pre-fabricated cavity walls. These approaches contribute to an efficient building process. A notable detail is the roofing system, which is designed to blend with the landscape, highlighting the retreat's focus on a low-impact lifestyle.

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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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