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Bamboo Versatility and Natural Light in a Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Yara Ahmed, Yara Yasser, Passant Lotfy, Abdelrahman Fouad
Bamboo Versatility and Natural Light in a Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing bamboo and wood, the meditation retreat incorporates adjustable louvers and floral elements to create a tranquil environment that fosters reflection in nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes bamboo as a primary structural element for sustainability.
02
Incorporates adjustable louvers for customizable light and sound control.
03
Features a butterfly garden to connect interior spaces with nature.
04
Encourages floor seating to enhance user engagement and comfort.
05
Designed around Wabi-Sabi principles, celebrating imperfection in form.

The architectural design known as "Beyond Tranquility" focuses on creating spaces for meditation and reflection, inviting users to engage with their surroundings. Designed around three distinct phases—Solitude, Satori, and Acceptance—the project aims to facilitate a deeper connection with nature. The design emerges from the principles of Wabi-Sabi, which appreciates imperfection and encourages mindfulness through careful interaction with the environment.

Spatial Definitions

The first phase, Solitude, emphasizes sensory experiences. This area guides users through a tea ceremony, where elements like the sound of flowing water and the aroma of tea play a crucial role. Engaging with these details allows individuals to immerse themselves in the present moment and encourages a sense of calm.



Self-Reflection Space

In the Satori phase, the design supports introspection. Natural light floods the space, while floral scents create a soothing atmosphere. Users are invited to sit on the floor, fostering a direct connection to the environment. This layout promotes relaxation and encourages visitors to reflect on their thoughts and feelings.



Responsive Elements

The Acceptance phase serves to bridge the indoor and outdoor environments. This area features plants that attract butterflies, creating a gentle link to nature outside. Additionally, the design incorporates adjustable louvers that help control sound and light, allowing users to set the atmosphere to their liking.



Material Choices

Bamboo and wood are the primary materials used. Bamboo is celebrated for being lightweight and strong, making it a sustainable choice. Wood adds warmth and a tactile quality, enhancing the overall experience. These materials work together to create a tranquil setting that supports the design’s purpose.



Light filters through the spaces, playing with shadows and shapes, inviting users to explore their surroundings. Each phase connects with the next, guiding individuals on a journey of mindfulness and reflection, enriching their interaction with both the space and themselves.

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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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