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Charred Maple Cladding With Cedar Accents in a Forest Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Noah Zweig, Richard Asuncion, Andrea Plesa
Charred Maple Cladding With Cedar Accents in a Forest Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred Maple cladding and cedar accents, the meditation cabin immerses users in the forest environment, creating a serene space dedicated to self-reflection and mindfulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred Maple for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cedar wood finishes provide a natural aroma and warmth to the interior.
03
Circular glazing elements create unobstructed views of the surrounding forest.
04
A concrete wall establishes a unique boundary between meditation space and nature.
05
Designed for both individual contemplation and communal reflection experiences.

The SACRIS IMAGO meditation cabin is situated within a forest, designed as a retreat for self-reflection and mindfulness. The cabin encourages a close connection between users and their natural surroundings, offering a space for both physical and mental exercise. The design concept focuses on immersing occupants in nature while providing shelter from the outside world, fostering an environment for introspection.

Integration with the Environment
The cabin emphasizes its relationship with the landscape, allowing for interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large windows and circular glass features let in natural light and provide views of the forest, making the boundaries blur between the cabin and nature. This design helps create a sense of enclosure while enabling users to connect fully with their surroundings.

Materiality and Sensory Experience
Materials are thoughtfully chosen to enhance users' experiences. The exterior is clad with charred Maple, which gives a distinct scent to the site while retaining carbon. Inside, the cedar wood finishing on the floor and ceiling adds warmth and a pleasant aroma to the space. These material choices underline a commitment to sustainability and resonate with the natural context of the cabin.

Spatial Functionality
The layout of the cabin is designed for both solitary meditation and group activities. There are specific areas allocated for reflection and contemplation, allowing users to enjoy quiet time or connect with others. A concrete wall within the design creates a boundary between the meditation area and the outside world, offering privacy while preserving a sense of openness.

As users enter through large doors framed by a solid wall, they are greeted by the inviting warmth and texture of wood. This detail creates a home-like atmosphere, nurturing moments of peace against the backdrop of the surrounding forest.

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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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