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Stone Shala Embraced by Lush Gardens in a Serene Retreat

Authors:
Alvaro Guerra, Ambar Calvo, Mónica Henríquez, Diana Vázquez
Stone Shala Embraced by Lush Gardens in a Serene Retreat

Project in-detail

A stone shala surrounded by flourishing gardens provides a tranquil setting for holistic practices and mindful gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Stone walls blend seamlessly with the landscape, creating a connection to the earth.
02
The layout incorporates views of nature from every prominent space.
03
Designed to facilitate mindfulness, each area promotes tranquility and reflection.
04
Gardens surround the shala, encouraging outdoor practices and interactions.
05
Water features integrate sound and movement, enhancing the sensory experience.

The design at Vale de Moses occupies a beautiful landscape in Serra da Estrela Park. This retreat focuses on yoga and wellness, creating spaces intended to foster a deep connection with the natural surroundings. The core idea revolves around a "garden for yoga," where architectural elements work together with nature to enhance experiences grounded in tranquility and mindfulness.

Concept and Layout

The layout reflects a strong commitment to harmony and balance. Each space, including areas for practice, cooking, and personal needs, is given equal importance. This approach allows everyone who visits to feel connected to their environment. The arrangement supports smooth movement throughout the building, encouraging an active engagement with the outdoor landscape.

Spatial Relationships

Inside, the relationship between spaces is thoughtfully designed. Light filters through openings, casting shifting shadows that contribute to the overall atmosphere. Corridors and pathways lead people through the structure while framing the views of the exterior, creating moments that invite contemplation. Each transition is purposeful, aligning the internal experience with the peacefulness found outside.

Material and Sensory Experience

The presentation does not provide extensive details on materials; however, there are hints at the use of stone and natural elements that echo the site. The design feels as if it has been drawn from the ground itself, with walls that share a connection to the earth. This grounding aesthetic enhances sensory experiences, allowing visitors to appreciate the changes brought by different seasons and weather.

Community and Interaction

Spaces are arranged to encourage community and interaction among guests. A broad staircase serves as a central feature, connecting various levels and fostering relationships. At the center is the shala, designed not only for yoga but also for collective gatherings that promote wellness.

Water features and gardens are woven into the layout, creating pathways that inspire exploration. They invite individuals to pause and reflect, reinforcing the connection between mind, body, and nature. This approach creates a tranquil environment where visitors can truly immerse themselves in 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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