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Steambent Holm Oak Cabin with Greywater System for Mindful Reflection

Authors:
Allyza Valino, Aaron Baldwin, Jenna Vanzomeren
Steambent Holm Oak Cabin with Greywater System for Mindful Reflection

Project in-detail

Crafted from steambent holm oak and designed with an integrated greywater system, the cabin offers a thoughtful retreat for meditation and mindfulness in the tranquil landscape of the Vale de Moses.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using steambent holm oak to enhance flexibility and durability.
02
Integrates a greywater filtration system for sustainable water use.
03
Features a courtyard for social gatherings while maintaining privacy.
04
Strategically frames mountain views to enhance meditation experience.
05
Designed for easy assembly and disassembly, promoting environmental mindfulness.

Terapia.Orgânica is a meditation cabin located at the Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat, set in a quiet mountainous area. The design aims to create a peaceful space that supports both personal reflection and social interaction. By focusing on its environment, the cabin seeks to enhance the user's connection to nature and promote a sense of well-being.

Design Concept

The layout of Terapia.Orgânica is carefully planned to create distinct areas for public and private use. The northern side features a courtyard for gatherings, providing a place for group activities. The eastern part serves as a transition zone, blending communal spaces with areas for solitude. This arrangement allows visitors to engage in activities like group meditation while also finding peace in their surroundings when needed.

Materials and Construction

Local timber plays an important role in the design, helping to reduce the environmental impact associated with transportation. The walls are clad in steambent holm oak planks, which not only add visual texture but also connect the cabin to the local landscape. This choice of material emphasizes the craftsmanship involved in the construction while integrating the building into the natural setting.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key focus of Terapia.Orgânica. Solar panels on the southern-facing roof provide energy for lighting, aligning with a commitment to reducing energy consumption. Additionally, a greywater filtration system recycles water used in the cabin to nourish the surrounding gardens. This system minimizes waste and supports the ecological balance of the retreat.

Spatial Engagement

The design incorporates elements that create a sense of discovery for occupants. Upon entering the cabin, the layout directs views toward the mountains, enhancing the experience of tranquility. Walls and vegetation strategically block certain lines of sight, prompting visitors to engage with their surroundings. Extended roof overhangs provide shaded communal spaces, allowing for social gatherings while still offering areas for privacy.

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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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