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Triangular Timber Retreats Integrated with Indigenous Landscaping

Author:
Giorgos Hatzikomnou
Triangular Timber Retreats Integrated with Indigenous Landscaping
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Constructed from timber and designed with a triangular form, the cabins harmonize with indigenous landscaping to create quiet spaces for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber construction emphasizes sustainability and minimal environmental impact.
02
Triangular form enhances structural integrity while providing panoramic views.
03
Cabins are positioned on an existing stone terrace for optimal site integration.
04
Indigenous landscaping promotes local biodiversity and harmony with nature.
05
Rainwater collection systems support ecological practices and irrigation needs.

Set within the tranquil environment of Vale de Moses, the Meditation Cabins serve as a retreat designed for mindfulness and connection to nature. The design draws inspiration from traditional Portuguese Cardenha architecture, emphasizing clarity and a peaceful atmosphere. The primary goal of these cabins is to provide spaces for meditation and reflection, allowing users to immerse themselves in the surrounding landscape.

Architectural Form and Layout

The cabins are characterized by a lightweight, triangular shape that facilitates their placement across the site. This geometric choice enhances the use of space while guiding attention toward the natural views outside. Positioned on an existing stone terrace, each cabin ensures privacy for occupants, enabling them to enjoy the scenery without distraction from nearby structures.



Integration with Nature

The arrangement of the cabins creates external spaces that coexist with the surrounding landscape. These areas are enhanced with indigenous plants and connected by paths, allowing movement between the cabins. This thoughtful landscaping reinforces the relationship between the buildings and their environment while keeping disruption to a minimum.



Sustainable Design Features

Sustainability plays an important role in the design, highlighted by the use of natural materials and passive design elements. Timber is the primary material for the cabins, contributing to their lightweight nature and environmental friendliness. The design takes advantage of natural light and airflow by incorporating large glass doors, which help reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling. A rainwater collection system is also featured to support the local vegetation, aligning with the project’s focus on environmental responsibility.



Community and Privacy

A canopy at the rear of the terrace provides a space for both communal activities and private moments of reflection. This design element effectively balances the desire for social interaction with the need for solitude, creating an environment that accommodates different experiences for users.



The overall expression of the cabins emphasizes a minimalist aesthetic, contributing to the peaceful atmosphere intended for meditation. Each structure acts as a space for personal introspection, delicately framed by the natural beauty of the Vale de Moses.

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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.

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