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Terraces of Wood and Greenery for Reflective Nature Retreat

Author:
Hugo fernando Gómez saldaña
Terraces of Wood and Greenery for Reflective Nature Retreat

Project in-detail

With terraces designed to enhance immersion in the surrounding landscape, the meditation cabins utilize wood and green elements to create an environment that fosters reflection and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins do not have side windows, focusing views on the landscape.
02
Gray water treatment system enhances sustainability and reduces environmental impact.
03
Terraces allow for flexible placement and interaction with varying topographies.
04
Interior finishes include wood and waterproof rubber for comfort and acoustics.
05
Design encourages deep immersion in the natural surroundings for reflective experience.

The Retreat in Vale de Moses is a series of meditation cabins that focus on giving individuals a chance to reconnect with nature. Located in a tranquil landscape, the design aims to create a space suitable for self-reflection and meditation. The approach emphasizes an intimate relationship with the surrounding environment, showcasing a commitment to ecological values.

Site Integration

The cabins are placed on an empty stone terrace, allowing for flexibility in how they are arranged around the site. This arrangement respects the existing landscape and encourages users to engage with their surroundings. The layout enhances feelings of solitude while promoting a deep connection to nature.

Cabin Design

There are two types of cabins known as TR1 and TR2. They differ mainly in the design of their terraces. Each type promotes a dynamic interaction with the landscape. The decision to have no side windows focuses attention on the wide views, reinforcing a sense of privacy and immersion in the natural world.

Sustainability Features

TR1 includes a south facade that features a gray water treatment system. This system manages wastewater effectively. It channels water to a storage area, then releases it through an irrigation valve box into mulch, which absorbs organic matter. This design choice reflects a thoughtful approach to minimizing environmental impact.

Interior Composition

Inside, wood is used for finishes while rubber serves as a waterproof and sound-absorbing material. These choices contribute to comfort and function within the cabins. The design emphasizes simplicity, ensuring that each space feels welcoming.

The shape and layout of the cabins, along with their terraces, create cozy areas that encourage users to engage fully with the peaceful environment, reinforcing the connection between the buildings and the landscape around them.

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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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