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Sustainable Straw Blocks and Laminated Oak Create a Mindfulness Sanctuary

Authors:
Antonella Sorgonà, Serena sharon Iannello, Carlo Gemelli
Sustainable Straw Blocks and Laminated Oak Create a Mindfulness Sanctuary

Project in-detail

Utilizing laminated oak and load-bearing straw blocks, the design immerses users in nature while serving as a dedicated space for relaxation and yoga.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes load-bearing straw blocks for structural support.
02
Features laminated oak to enhance natural aesthetics.
03
Incorporates openings for natural ventilation and airflow.
04
Positioned to maximize sunlight throughout the year.
05
Designed as a dedicated space for mindfulness practices.

The Green Medeira is an architectural pod located in the lush hills of Val de Moses, known for its pleasant Mediterranean climate. It serves as a space for rest and yoga, thoughtfully connecting with its natural surroundings. The design focuses on sustainability and aims to enhance the user experience, featuring a layout that promotes both relaxation and mindfulness.

Orientation and Spatial Organization

The pod has dimensions of 8.30 m x 8.30 m, with the entrance positioned on the south side to capture natural light throughout the year. This strategic choice helps reduce the use of artificial lighting, contributing to energy efficiency. Inside, the layout is designed to allow easy movement between areas meant for quiet reflection and active practices like yoga. The north facade includes openings that enable natural ventilation, improving comfort and air circulation throughout the space.

Materials and Sustainability

Natural materials play an important role in the construction of the pod. Laminated oak wood is used for its lightweight qualities, while load-bearing straw blocks provide structural support and environmental advantages. These straw blocks have low energy consumption during their production and offer great thermal properties. Additionally, insulating panels made from fiber and wood waste help maintain energy efficiency, ensuring a comfortable indoor climate across different seasons.

Contextual Integration

The design carefully considers its ecological context, drawing inspiration from the native Portuguese flora surrounding Val de Moses. This connection to the landscape results in a building that fits well within its environment. Seasonal changes have also been taken into account, allowing the pod to function effectively and comfortably throughout the year, from the warmth of summer to the cooler winter months.

Natural Light and Ventilation

A key aspect of the Green Medeira is its emphasis on natural light and ventilation, which significantly enhance the user experience. The southern facade allows sunlight to fill the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Openings in the building facilitate airflow, keeping the space fresh and pleasant. The combination of abundant natural light and effective ventilation contributes to a relaxing environment, encouraging individuals to spend time in quiet reflection and engage in mindful practices.

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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
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