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Black Square Retreat with Agricultural Netting and Timber Frame

Author:
Natalia Sosonkina
Black Square Retreat with Agricultural Netting and Timber Frame
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Constructed from a timber frame and enveloped by agricultural netting, the Black Square creates a minimalistic meditation space that seamlessly integrates light and shadow while fostering a deep connection to its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure features an innovative use of agricultural netting for shading.
02
Flexible entry points allow for varied access to the meditation space.
03
The design emphasizes a direct visual connection with the surrounding landscape.
04
It transitions from light to dark, enhancing the meditative experience.
05
The square shape symbolizes renewal, reinforcing the project's thematic focus.

The Black Square is a meditation space designed to blend with its natural surroundings. Located in a serene landscape, the building serves as a retreat for personal reflection. The concept emphasizes the nature of meditation, which is both an inward journey and a way to observe the world. This balance is reflected in the design, which combines elements of isolation with a connection to the environment.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout promotes movement, allowing visitors to enter and exit from various points. This openness represents freedom, moving away from the constraints of traditional meditation spaces. The arrangement fosters an interaction between the outside landscape and the interior, inviting users to feel at one with nature while finding comfort inside.

Shading and Light

A key feature of The Black Square is its use of agricultural netting for shading. This netting softens incoming light and reduces direct sunlight, creating a calm environment. The design provides a way to maintain a link with the external landscape while supporting the contemplative atmosphere. Light and shadow play across the space throughout the day, enhancing the experience in tune with natural rhythms.

Materiality and Structure

The building uses a timber frame and is supported by a screw pile foundation, which ensures stability while reducing environmental impact. These materials were selected for their practicality and to reflect the project's focus on simplicity and humility. Inside, the space is kept raw and minimal, allowing visitors to concentrate on the outside world as they meditate.

Geometric Harmony

The structure's square shape adds to its clarity. When closed, the sliding doors give it the appearance of a "black square," a symbol associated with renewal and new beginnings. This straightforward form enhances the significance of the space, reinforcing themes of introspection and clarity.

Thoughtful use of light, shade, and geometric form creates a quiet space that encourages deep meditation, helping individuals connect with their inner selves while appreciating the peaceful surrounding landscape.

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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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