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Timber Serenity and Milky Glass Reflections in a Mountain Retreat

Authors:
Stavros Michaelides, Anastasia Vasileiou
Timber Serenity and Milky Glass Reflections in a Mountain Retreat

Project in-detail

A timber structure with milky glass accents emerges from the central Portuguese landscape, creating a tranquil environment for yoga practice and contemplation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber roof design inspired by traditional Portuguese architecture.
02
Main yoga room maximizes natural light and community interaction.
03
Rainwater collection system for irrigation in the garden.
04
Milky glass windows diffuse light and enhance interior warmth.
05
Surrounding terrace offers unobstructed mountain views for meditation.

Ananda Balasana is set against the backdrop of central Portugal's mountains and is designed to be a place for yoga practice with a focus on relieving stress. The name, derived from the happy baby pose, embodies the mission of nurturing one’s inner self. The design aims to marry traditional architectural features, such as a timber roof, with modern principles to create a calm environment for meditation and reflection.

Exterior Design
The exterior features a timber roof that reflects the local architectural style, allowing the building to connect with its natural environment. This choice honors the region's cultural heritage while also inviting curiosity. The simplicity of the facade encourages visitors to explore the richness of the interior spaces.

Interior Layout
At the core of Ananda Balasana is the main yoga room, designed to maximize natural light and promote interaction among users. This centrally located room not only serves its primary purpose but also enhances communal experiences within the building. Surrounding rooms are thoughtfully arranged to allow easy access to spaces like the kitchen and terrace, supporting both individual practice and community engagement.

Sustainability Features
Several features contribute to the sustainable nature of Ananda Balasana. Windows on both the facade and roof can be opened to encourage natural airflow and maintain comfortable temperatures inside. The building also includes a rainwater collection system that utilizes precipitation for irrigation in the garden, which reflects an understanding of ecological responsibility.

Material Palette
The choice of materials is vital to creating a welcoming atmosphere. Timber dominates the roof and facade, offering warmth and comfort. Milky glass windows diffuse sunlight effectively, creating a cozy environment while preventing glare. Concrete is used only where structural support is needed, allowing lighter materials to create a soothing and inviting interior.

The terrace and garden enhance the experience by providing unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains. These outdoor areas encourage users to engage with nature, reinforcing the connection between the indoor and outdoor environments. This thoughtful approach enriches the overall design, allowing moments of reflection and quiet observation to thrive.

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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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