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Water Mirror and Concrete Foundations Enhancing Mindful Reflection Spaces

Authors:
Sara Meneses, Bárbara Ribeiro, Margarida Gomes
Water Mirror and Concrete Foundations Enhancing Mindful Reflection Spaces

Project in-detail

A water mirror reflects the surrounding landscape while concrete foundations provide stability, creating a versatile space designed for meditation and mindful practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflection Pod integrates a water mirror to enhance natural light and cooling.
02
The geometric layout encourages energy flow, promoting mindfulness.
03
Concrete foundations double as multifunctional seating areas.
04
Large openings connect indoor and outdoor environments seamlessly.
05
Adjustable wooden columns accommodate varying site elevations.

The Reflection Pod is designed to create a space focused on mental and physical reflection. It is set in diverse natural environments, aiming to provide an atmosphere suitable for meditation and mindfulness activities. The design concept centers on simplicity and functionality, fostering a strong connection between the structure and its surroundings, thus enhancing the user experience.

Site Integration

Versatility is a key feature of the Reflection Pod, which can be built in multiple locations. This adaptability allows the design to meet specific client needs and adjust to various site conditions. By offering different configurations and paths, the layout ensures easy access and a clear relationship with the landscape. The pod blends into its environment, becoming part of it rather than disrupting it.

Geometry and Layout

The architectural form utilizes a divided parallelepiped shape, creating sections that resemble a cube cut diagonally. This geometric approach serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, facilitating water flow while promoting a sense of energy within the space. The layout is open and inviting, designed to encourage contemplation and connection with nature.

Light and Sustainability

Natural light plays a significant role in the design, with numerous openings that allow sunlight to enter the interiors. This not only improves energy efficiency but also creates a strong link to the outside world. A water mirror enhances the setting, offering cooling effects during warm periods and reflecting the surrounding environment, further integrating the pod with nature.

Materials and Structural Elements

Concrete is chosen for the foundation to ensure structural stability, while wooden columns provide flexibility in height adjustments. These materials support the overall concept by being practical and visually appealing. They contribute to a balanced architectural expression that aligns with the pod’s primary function.

Large windows and an outdoor deck encourage a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This thoughtful design invites users to interact with their surroundings in a meaningful way, allowing for moments of reflection and relaxation amidst nature. The overall experience shapes a tranquil environment conducive to personal growth and mindfulness.

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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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