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Timber-Clad Retreat Featuring Sustainable Water Reservoirs in a Serene Valley

Author:
Ana Basch
Timber-Clad Retreat Featuring Sustainable Water Reservoirs in a Serene Valley

Project in-detail

Timber-clad cabins integrated with a water reservoir create a sustainable retreat in a valley, providing a tranquil space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber framing allows easy assembly and relocation of cabins.
02
The design incorporates a rainwater collection system for irrigation.
03
Cabins are oriented to maximize views of the valley and sky.
04
Low-impact concrete foundations minimize disruption to the terrain.
05
Landscaping supports biodiversity with a mix of native vegetation.

The VALE DE MOSES design consists of a set of meditation cabins set in a beautiful valley that encourages interaction with the surrounding natural environment. The aim is to promote well-being through thoughtful orientation and a design that blends with the landscape. These cabins serve as spaces for yoga, meditation, and relaxation. Each unit is crafted to maximize natural light and maintain comfort throughout the seasons, providing a suitable retreat for quiet reflection.

Architecture Concept
The architecture revolves around a close relationship with nature. Each cabin is oriented to capture views of the valley and sky, enriching the calming experience for users. The layout is open and spacious, which allows for two people to feel at ease while connecting with the environment. The design considers how sunlight enters the space, enabling natural heating and lighting, which enhances the tranquility within.

Materials and Structure
The main materials include timber framing and cladding, selected for their capacity to blend with the dry terrain and limit visual disturbance. Timber is a practical choice that supports both sustainability and flexibility; the cabins can be assembled or moved with ease. Minimal concrete foundations provide necessary support without overshadowing the natural landscape, allowing the setting to maintain focus on its beauty.

Sustainability and Water Management
The cabins feature sustainable techniques, with plans for photovoltaic panels to achieve a zero-energy building. Additionally, systems are put in place to collect rainwater and grey water, directing it into a reservoir used for irrigating gardens. This focus on efficient resource use addresses ecological concerns and adds to the vibrancy of the landscape, promoting lush growth around the cabins.

Landscaping and User Experience
The landscape is carefully designed to connect the cabins, creating a unified space for leisure and meditation surrounded by greenery. A variety of plants is included to build an environment that supports biodiversity and offers visual appeal. The water reservoir not only serves as an irrigation resource but also acts as an engaging feature, enriching the overall experience of visitors while enhancing the peaceful atmosphere of the area.

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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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