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Bio-Leather Pavilion Embracing Nature Through Cedar and Reflection

Author:
Zane Hall
Bio-Leather Pavilion Embracing Nature Through Cedar and Reflection

Project in-detail

Crafted from bio-leather and cedar, the pavilion serves as a thoughtful space for meditation while illustrating the concept of ephemerality through a garden that bridges interior and exterior.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from biodegradable bio-leather and cedar.
02
Encourages user interaction with water-based writing on surfaces.
03
Features a 'Garden of Decay' that grows from inside to outside.
04
Separates personal storage from the meditation area.
05
Designed to break down naturally over time, leaving only structure.

The design is a pavilion that explores the ideas of impermanence and reflection, located in a natural environment suitable for meditation. It serves two main purposes. One area acts as a locker for storing items that may distract users. The other area is a dedicated space for quiet contemplation and interaction with nature. The overall concept highlights the temporary aspect of existence, encouraging people to engage in mindfulness.

Materiality
The pavilion is built using cedar wood and bio-leather made from sea algae. These materials were carefully selected for their environmentally friendly qualities. The wood frame holds the structure together, relying on gravity and the outer skin for stability. The bio-leather is thin and secured with wooden buttons, allowing natural light to come through and brighten the interior space.

Spatial Organization
Inside, the design separates the locker area from the meditation space. This layout helps users transition from the outside world into a more focused atmosphere. The locker area provides a place to store personal items, while the meditation space features seating and planters that invite users to connect with their surroundings. This separation is key to creating an environment conducive to reflection.

Integration with Nature
The pavilion also features a 'Garden of Decay,' where plants grow from the inside to the outside. This connection to nature enhances the visual experience and strengthens the relationship between the building and its environment. The garden symbolizes growth and change, matching the pavilion's theme of temporality.

Interaction and Engagement
User interaction is an important aspect of the design. Water-based markers are available for writing on the bio-leather, allowing individuals to share their thoughts or reflections while inside the pavilion. This feature promotes a personal connection to the space and encourages both inward reflection and participation in a shared mindful experience.

The pavilion serves as a place of temporary refuge, reminding users of the balance between human-made structures and the natural world. The bio-leather skin will gradually break down, leaving behind the wood framework and flourishing plants, marking the passage of time.

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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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