Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Basalt Walls and Kauri Elements Shaping a Tranquil Meditation Space

Author:
Yonghun Lee
Basalt Walls and Kauri Elements Shaping a Tranquil Meditation Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing local basalt and Kauri wood, the design creates a meditation space that fosters deep connection with nature through its unique triangular layout and sustainable materials.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced basalt to create structural walls that reflect regional geology.
02
Incorporates Kauri wood for furniture and door elements, promoting local craftsmanship.
03
Features a triangular approach that enhances visitor engagement with the surrounding landscape.
04
Design emphasizes natural light through elongated wall openings for a serene interior.
05
Flower essence extraction is integrated into the space, connecting users with nature.

The design is located in a serene environment that promotes meditation and self-reflection. It aims to create a peaceful space where people can connect with nature. The overall goal is to support mental discipline, allowing visitors to focus and find tranquility by removing artificial distractions from their surroundings.

Elemental Composition

At the heart of the design are three key elements: ground, tree, and cloud. These elements are intentionally woven into the layout to create a strong connection between the architecture and the landscape. The building is framed by three wooded sides, forming a triangular approach that not only guides visitors toward the entrance but also enhances their experience of the natural context surrounding the structure.

Spatial Arrangement

Inside, the long walls reinforce the themes of earth, trees, and sky, inviting reflection and calmness. The interior spaces have been arranged thoughtfully to promote a meditative atmosphere, allowing individuals to become immersed in their surroundings. Each design choice helps create a sense of peace and enhances interactions between the indoors and the outside environment.

Material Selection

Material choices are essential in shaping the overall character of the design. Light wooden tiles and ply wood contribute warmth to the space, while glass wool offers insulation for better energy efficiency. Lime plaster is used on both the interior and exterior walls, aligning with sustainability goals by minimizing carbon emissions. Additionally, a basalt wall sourced from New Zealand grounds the building in its local setting and adds visual texture.

Functional Design Elements

The design also incorporates practical features that enhance usability. For example, a closet can be taken apart to create different furniture setups, such as a sitting or standing table for floral essence extraction. This flexibility emphasizes the functionality of the space while supporting its core intention of fostering mindfulness. Furthermore, bright timber flooring complements the darker walls, resulting in a well-balanced and visually appealing atmosphere throughout.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy