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Burnt Wood Cladding and Scaffolding Structure Create a Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Quentin Caulle, Cyprien Baudry
Burnt Wood Cladding and Scaffolding Structure Create a Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Featuring a scaffolding structure and burnt wood cladding, the design creates a compact retreat that harmonizes with nature and serves as a dedicated space for meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built using a reversible scaffolding structure to minimize environmental impact.
02
Incorporates burnt wood cladding for durability and a connection to local vernacular architecture.
03
Features discreet dry toilet integrated within the main cabinet to maintain a clean interior.
04
Utilizes a 12 Volt battery for energy-efficient low consumption LED lighting.
05
Designed with geometric forms to enhance the meditative experience through spatial harmony.

The Meditation Cabin is located 100 km from Riga, Latvia, designed to promote spiritual reflection and quiet contemplation. Covering an area of 15 m², it provides both indoor and outdoor meditation spaces. The design emphasizes tranquility and a deep connection to the natural surroundings, creating an environment that encourages peaceful engagement with oneself.

Geometric Symbolism

The concept is rooted in viewing the cabin as a micro temple. It draws on geometric shapes to create a space that enhances meditation experiences. The layout includes a terrace, desk, bed, heating wood stove, small storage, and a dry toilet. This arrangement effectively balances functionality with comfort, allowing users to focus on their meditative practices without distraction.

Structural Framework

Constructed using a scaffolding system, the cabin’s design offers flexibility. This structure makes it easy to install and remove, thus causing minimal disruption to the surrounding landscape and ecosystem. The choice of a reversible framework reflects an understanding of the local environment, integrating the cabin into its natural context.

Material Selection

Materials have been carefully chosen to serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. The exterior features burnt wood cladding, providing durability while echoing local architectural traditions. Inside, clear wood cladding creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Thermal insulation and waterproof film enhance the structure’s sustainability and ensure protection against changing weather conditions.

Functional Features

The design includes several thoughtful features that enhance user experience. A 12 Volt 4500 mAh battery powers efficient low consumption LED lights, facilitating long-term use without reliance on standard electricity. Concealed storage spaces for food and utensils keep the interior clutter-free. The dry toilet is cleverly integrated within the main cabinet and has a hermetic lid to prevent odors, illustrating the design's practical approach.

The cabin's geometric forms are evident in its overall design. The square shape of the floor plan, the triangular configuration in section, and the circular windows together create a serene environment. These shapes interact harmoniously with each other, establishing a peaceful atmosphere that fosters deep reflection and connection with the natural surroundings.

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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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