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Water Collection Structure Elevated Among Pine Trees

Authors:
Santiago Esquivel, Yael Gonzalez
Water Collection Structure Elevated Among Pine Trees

Project in-detail

Elevated among pine trees, a yoga house integrates rainwater collection and wooden structures, providing a tranquil space for mindfulness and practice.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated platforms nestle among existing pine trees.
02
Rainwater is collected from the roof and directed to a well.
03
Open areas facilitate interaction with the natural environment.
04
Leaves and branches contribute to the interior space.
05
Wooden stairs provide access to various elevations.

In the Vale de Moses, an architectural solution integrates human space with the natural landscape. Designed as a yoga house, it draws inspiration from the memory of fourteen pine trees that once thrived in the area. Their absence informs the design concept, which emphasizes restoration and a strong connection to nature, providing a tranquil space for reflection and practice.

Architecture Concept

The focus of the design is on restoration and environmental integration. The yoga house consists of three elevated platforms that fit among the existing tree trunks. This heightens the relationship between the structure and its surroundings, allowing users to experience nature more fully during their yoga sessions.

Functional Layout

At ground level, the design features essential elements like a well, wooden stairs, and an opening that leads to a bathroom. Each of these components is carefully arranged to promote openness and interaction with the natural environment. As users move to the first platform, they enter areas for cooking, eating, and resting, which encourages a fluid transition through the space and enhances the connection with the outdoors.

Integration with Nature

On the upper level, the yoga space uses light and air to build a connection with the surrounding landscape. Inside, natural elements such as leaves and branches become part of the walls, blending the indoor experience with the outdoor environment. This design approach strengthens the relationship between the space and the natural world, making it an integral part of the experience.

Sustainability Considerations

Sustainability is a vital aspect of the design, with the roof collecting rainwater that flows into the well below. An irrigation system channels additional water from the nearby mountain. This mindful approach to resource management supports the overall goals of the project, creating a balance between human use and the environment.

The design's organization reflects a commitment to connecting its users with the landscape. From the upper platform, natural elements frame the experience, as branches sway gently in the breeze, inviting both mindfulness and connection to the surroundings.

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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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