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Carbonized Wood and Natural Rock Create a Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Adolfo Cendejas guerrero, Alvaro Garcia cortes
Carbonized Wood and Natural Rock Create a Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Carbonized wood and a natural rock base define a meditation cabin designed to foster tranquility and cultural reflection within a serene landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation areas are integrated with altars for processing natural essences.
02
The structure utilizes carbonized wood through the shou sugi ban technique for durability.
03
Natural rock forms the foundation, grounding the cabin in its environment.
04
Sunlight is strategically captured with openings designed for seasonal light changes.
05
The layout promotes fluid circulation between the interior and surrounding landscape.

The TROJE project embodies a thoughtful reinterpretation of traditional Mexican cabins known as trojes. Located in a natural setting, the structure functions as a meditation cabin, facilitating moments of introspection and a connection to cultural roots. The design centers on capturing the simple, yet solid forms of these traditional buildings while creating a tranquil space for reflection.

Architecture Concept

The design features key areas dedicated to meditation and the processing of natural essences. These spaces are arranged to promote movement and interaction, allowing users to flow easily between the inside of the cabin and its surrounding landscape. The entrances are intentionally placed to enhance the experience of entering the space, creating a thoughtful link between the interior and the exterior.

Materiality

A careful selection of materials reflects traditional building methods. The roof is covered with wooden shingles, honoring the craftsmanship of the past. Carbonized wood, treated using the shou sugi ban method, adds both strength and a unique look to the structure. Additionally, a natural rock base grounds the cabin within its environment, reinforcing its connection to the site.

Natural Light and Seasonal Changes

Light plays an important role in the design. The placement of windows and openings takes into account the sun’s movement throughout the year. This design choice ensures that both summer and winter sun can enter the cabin, creating warm spaces for contemplation. As daylight shifts, so does the ambiance inside, providing a dynamic environment for users.

Aesthetic and Functional Integration

TROJE balances traditional forms with contemporary needs, establishing a dialogue between the past and the present. The details of the altars and meditation areas not only serve practical purposes but also contribute to the overall experience. The design encourages interaction with nature, with the structure acting as a focal point that enhances the tranquility of its 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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