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Brass Altar and Dark Plywood Illuminate a Sustainable Meditation Cabin

Authors:
William Christian, John Dowling
Brass Altar and Dark Plywood Illuminate a Sustainable Meditation Cabin

Project in-detail

A suspended brass altar table and dark plywood walls define a compact meditation cabin that seamlessly integrates with the New Zealand landscape, prioritizing sustainability and a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
A fully operable central skylight allows for passive ventilation and seasonal light adjustments.
02
Four exterior flip-down panels serve dual functions as platforms and screens.
03
Dark stained plywood interior creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
04
A cylindrical suspended fireplace enhances thermal comfort during winter months.
05
The altar table, made of brass, is designed for mobility and flexibility in usage.

Cove Cabin is a design located in the peaceful landscapes of New Zealand. It serves as a space for meditation and quiet reflection. The overall concept focuses on the relationship between the structure and its natural surroundings. With an emphasis on sustainability and openness, the cabin is designed to provide a calming atmosphere for its occupants.

Structure and Materials

The building uses a structural insulated panel (SIP) system, which allows for quick assembly on-site while providing excellent thermal performance. This choice supports the project’s focus on being environmentally friendly. Inside, dark stained plywood lines the walls. This material choice creates a warm and inviting feeling, enhancing the tranquility of the space.

Interior Design Features

Inside, a pyramid hip ceiling adds height to the cabin, making the interior feel spacious. A central skylight brings in natural light, which highlights various design elements within the space. Low-positioned sliding windows give occupants framed views of the outside landscape, promoting a connection with nature. These features are significant in making the internal environment comfortable and calming.

Functional Additions

The cabin has four flip-down panels on the exterior walls. These panels can serve as platforms or screens, depending on the occupants' needs. They not only increase usability but also allow for more sunlight to enter the cabin. The central skylight can be opened for ventilation, improving air quality inside. This design is essential for maintaining comfort throughout different seasons.

Artistic Touches

A cylindrical suspended fireplace warms the cabin during colder months, making the space inviting. Below the skylight, an altar table symbolizes meditation and mindfulness. This table has wheels, which allow it to be moved based on the occupants' preferences. Dark storage drawers beneath the table help keep the space organized and visually appealing. The combination of these features creates a thoughtful and practical design.

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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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