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Candlelit Retreats Wrapped in ETFE with Cross-Laminated Timber

Authors:
Levent Arıdağ, Fitnat Cimşit koş, Okan Aktaş, Tugay Yılmaz
Candlelit Retreats Wrapped in ETFE with Cross-Laminated Timber

Project in-detail

The use of cross-laminated timber and an ETFE skin creates a series of adaptable cabins that encourage meditation and reflection, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding forest landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flaps in the cabin design allow surrounding vegetation to thrive.
02
The structure utilizes high-performance cross-laminated timber for durability.
03
ETFE skin regulates light entry while protecting against weather elements.
04
Cabins feature distinct communal and private meditation spaces.
05
Candle lanterns create an intimate ambiance during nighttime use.

The Silent Meditation Forest Cabins are situated within ancient woodlands, designed to support meditation and peaceful reflection. The concept focuses on creating cabins that function as "adaptive caves," which highlights a design that interacts with and blends into the surrounding environment. Each cabin serves as a retreat, allowing individuals to connect with nature while engaging in both communal and private meditation practices.

Design and Adaptability

The cabins feature an adaptable design, allowing them to fit various geographical settings such as lake shores and forested slopes. This flexibility ensures that the structures maintain their intended purpose while integrating well with different landscapes. With design elements that allow for natural growth, like flaps that let vegetation flourish around the cabins, the project reinforces its commitment to sustainability and ecological harmony.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of public and private spaces within the cabins is a central aspect of the design. These structures include areas for group meditation while also providing secluded spots for private reflection. This thoughtful layout balances social engagement with personal solitude, enhancing the overall experience for users. The design invites individuals to participate in shared practices while also allowing for moments of quiet contemplation in a natural setting.

Material Selection

Choosing the right materials is essential for the cabins' functionality and integrity. Cross-laminated timber is used to ensure strength and durability while maintaining a lightweight structure. As a renewable resource, this material aligns with sustainable practices and reduces environmental impact. The cabins are also enclosed with a protective ETFE skin that helps regulate light and provides shelter from weather conditions, allowing for an environment conducive to meditation.

At night, the cabins are softly illuminated by candle lanterns, creating an intimate setting that enhances the tranquility and meditative atmosphere.

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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

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