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Central Light Tube and Elevated Timber Cabin for Meditation in the Forest

Authors:
Aldo Daffa, Joshua Alfando, Michellin Sonia
Central Light Tube and Elevated Timber Cabin for Meditation in the Forest

Project in-detail

A central light tube and elevated timber structure create a unique meditation cabin in the Ozolini Retreat Forest, designed to maximize natural light while providing a serene space for reflection and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central light tube channels sunlight throughout the cabin interior.
02
Octagonal shape promotes multifunctional use in a single space.
03
Elevated floor design prevents moisture accumulation.
04
Separate dry toilet enhances user comfort and privacy.
05
Natural timber materials blend harmoniously with the forest environment.

"Luminance of Prosperity" is a meditation cabin located in the Ozolini Retreat Forest. The design emphasizes a connection with nature while providing a peaceful space for meditation and personal reflection. The concept focuses on enhancing the amount of natural light within a typically shaded environment, making use of vertical openings that allow sunlight to enter and brighten the space.

Design Concept

The cabin has an octagonal shape, which allows various activities to take place within a single room. This layout supports both individual meditation and communal interaction, enabling users to engage with each other while remaining mindful of their surroundings. It creates a calm atmosphere where nature can be both observed and experienced.

Functional Elements

A significant feature of the cabin is the central light tube. It channels sunlight into the interior, making the space feel more open and connected to the outdoors. Along with meditation, the cabin includes areas for sleeping and drying clothes. The floor is elevated 0.5 meters to help manage moisture, contributing to a hygienic and comfortable environment.

Material Considerations

Materials chosen for the cabin play an important role in the overall design. Timber oak and pine planks are used for the structure, providing warmth and natural beauty that complements the surrounding forest. Aluminum frames are incorporated into the door designs, adding strength while maintaining a straightforward aesthetic.

User Experience

The cabin is about 12.96 square meters and stands 3 meters high, creating a sense of spaciousness without losing intimacy. A separate dry toilet further distinguishes private from communal spaces, enhancing overall comfort for users. Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the design, encouraging users to immerse themselves fully in the environment.

Notably, the alignment of the light tube is designed to capture sunlight effectively, allowing residents to enjoy the natural elements—like snow or rain—while remaining comfortably indoors.

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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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