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Stone Walls and Glass Wrap Create a Serene Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Gabriel Ciosu, Beatrice Anton
Stone Walls and Glass Wrap Create a Serene Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with a robust stone framework and a transparent glass wrap, the sanctuary offers a tranquil space for wellness and community engagement within a rich natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using historical stone walls, maintaining the site's character.
02
Features a glass elevation wrap that invites ample natural light.
03
Includes a fireplace central to the communal living area for social interaction.
04
Incorporates a mountain-inspired garden with alpine vegetation.
05
Designed to evolve with visitor contributions to the interior ambiance.

The Ozolini Organic Sanctuary exemplifies a design that connects with its natural environment and encourages well-being. Located in a serene landscape, the sanctuary serves as a retreat for visitors seeking relaxation and a closer relationship with nature. The design concept is rooted in alchemy, focusing on elements of self-transformation and growth while incorporating four essential themes: earth, air, water, and fire.

Design Concept

The concept is built around the integration of the four elemental themes, each contributing to the visitor experience. The existing stone structure embodies the earth, providing a solid foundation with historical importance. Air is emphasized through large windows and a glass elevation wrap, which allow abundant natural light to flow in, fostering a feeling of openness and continuity with the outside space.

Construction Features

To enhance structural integrity, the stone walls are reinforced with a concrete slab. This design choice maintains the authenticity of the original building while adding a modern touch. The exterior features wooden blades that surround the glass elevation, which serve as both functional and decorative elements. These blades add texture to the facade and create interesting shadow patterns throughout the day.

Outdoor Integration

The sanctuary design includes a garden inspired by mountain landscapes, featuring stones and alpine plants. This garden invites visitors to engage with nature, providing an inviting area for gathering and reflection. It complements the interior by emphasizing the importance of the surrounding natural landscape in enhancing the overall experience of the sanctuary.

Interior Environment

Inside, the sanctuary highlights the visible stone walls along with wooden roof structures, reinforcing the connection to nature. The living room is designed with spaciousness, centered around a fireplace that serves as a focal point. This area allows for relaxation and social interaction. The interior design remains flexible, capable of evolving with the experiences of those who visit.

The relationships between light and space, as well as the warmth from the fireplace, create an inviting atmosphere that encourages both exploration and moments of quiet contemplation.

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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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