Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Tent-Roofed Retreat Crafted with Charred Wooden Shingles and Fieldstone Foundation

Author:
Tom Schreiner
Tent-Roofed Retreat Crafted with Charred Wooden Shingles and Fieldstone Foundation

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and a fieldstone foundation, the tent-roofed cabins provide a harmonious retreat designed for meditation in a serene mountainous landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins feature tent roofs that enable rainwater harvesting for sustainable resource use.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a natural aesthetic.
03
A fieldstone base integrates the structures with the rocky landscape.
04
Open-plan layouts accommodate flexible use for individual and group activities.
05
Bamboo finishes promote a calming atmosphere and tactile interaction with nature.
The Vale de Moses Meditation Cabins are an architectural project designed to facilitate meditation and personal reflection in a serene natural setting. Located in a mountainous region, the project emphasizes a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the landscape. These cabins serve as retreats where individuals can engage in meditation, wellness activities, and contemplative practices. The architecture reflects a deep commitment to sustainability and a thoughtful integration of natural materials, creating spaces that are both functional and conducive to spiritual growth.

The cabins feature a series of distinct elements that contribute to their overall design and functionality. Each cabin is organized around a flexible, open floor plan, which allows for various configurations based on user needs. The aesthetic quality of the structures is defined by the use of tent-like roofs that extend above the cabins, creating a sense of uplift and inviting natural light into the interiors. The roofs not only serve as a visual focal point but also incorporate sustainable features, such as rainwater harvesting and ventilation.

The material palette of the Vale de Moses project is carefully considered to promote environmental sustainability. The primary construction materials include wood shingles for the exterior, untreated wooden flooring, fieldstone for the base, steel for structural support, and extensive use of glass. These choices foster a seamless connection to the surrounding environment while ensuring durability. The untreated wood and stone exemplify the project’s focus on using local and renewable resources.

The unique design of the Vale de Moses cabins lies in their ability to blend into the landscape while offering a distinct visual identity. The asymmetrical angles of the roofs reflect the topography of the site, reinforcing the project's sculptural presence. This approach allows the cabins to maintain a low profile, minimizing environmental impact while enhancing user experience. Moreover, the spacious interiors, combined with the strategic placement of windows, create an inviting atmosphere through natural light and panoramic views of the landscape.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, the cabins prioritize user comfort and adaptability. The open-plan design encourages versatility in the use of space, accommodating both individual meditation practice and group activities. The intentional layout promotes a sense of community among retreat participants without compromising the privacy essential for personal contemplation.

The Vale de Moses Meditation Cabins exemplify a thoughtful synthesis of architecture, landscape, and sustainability. By utilizing eco-friendly materials and designing structures that harmonize with the natural features of the site, the project offers a unique model for future architectural endeavors in similar contexts. For a deeper understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and concepts behind this project, readers are encouraged to explore the presentation of Vale de Moses for closer insights into its architectural design and ideas.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,249 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy