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Chakra Path Cabin Crafted with Rimu and Red Beech

Authors:
Gaia Barbieri, Giulia Lazzarini
Chakra Path Cabin Crafted with Rimu and Red Beech

Project in-detail

Constructed primarily from rimu and red beech, the cabin integrates a chakra path that thoughtfully engages visitors’ senses, ultimately serving as a dedicated space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from locally sourced rimu and red beech.
02
Incorporates a sensory path with installations representing each of the first six chakras.
03
Features a multifunctional porch for activities beyond meditation.
04
Utilizes folding walls for adjustable light and privacy in the meditation room.
05
Designed to operate with natural ventilation, enhancing user comfort.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is located in New Zealand and forms part of a sensory path connecting the main residence to the cabin. The structure spans 30 square meters and integrates the principles of the chakra system into its design. It offers a space for meditation and reflection, inviting visitors into an environment that fosters tranquility. Accessibility is a key consideration, with the cabin featuring a supporting platform that includes steps and a ramp, making it welcoming for everyone.

Design Concept

The central idea of the design is to create a journey through the first six chakras, represented by various installations made from natural and recycled materials. Each installation engages the senses and prepares visitors for meditation, culminating in the Meditation Cabin, which represents the seventh chakra, Sahasrara. The thoughtful use of natural light and the connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces enhance the overall experience, creating a sense of harmony.

Spatial Configurations

The layout includes a porch that extends the usable area of the cabin, allowing for a connection between the indoors and the surrounding nature. This arrangement supports multiple uses, such as processing flower essences or enjoying quiet moments of reflection. With two glazed facades, the cabin invites light in while maintaining a visual connection with the landscape, making it an extension of the natural world outside.

Structural Features

The north facade features folding walls that offer several ways for users to interact with the outside environment. These walls provide the option for a fully open space, creating an easy flow between the meditation room and the porch when desired. There are also semi-open and fully closed configurations available, addressing varying levels of privacy and light. In addition, the cabin utilizes a ventilated wall and a roof interstice, which help manage temperature and moisture effectively.

Material Selection

The cabin employs a careful selection of materials that enhance its function and aesthetics. Rimu wood is used for structural elements, while red beech serves as the building's exterior. Beech wood is utilized for flooring and ramps, creating a unified look and feel. This choice of materials aligns with the project's goal of connecting with its natural setting. Each chakra installation adds another layer to the design, so visitors can experience not just the physical space, but also the feelings associated with fire, air, earth, water, ether, and light.

One of the significant installations symbolizes fire through lanterns in the Manipura section. In Anahata, sound-producing objects engage with the movement of air. The thoughtful integration of these elements invites a deeper connection with the space, encouraging users to reflect and engage with both themselves and the surrounding environment.

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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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