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Charred Pine Retreat With Elevated Meditation Platform

Author:
Beth Held
Charred Pine Retreat With Elevated Meditation Platform

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred pine and incorporating an elevated meditation platform, the design creates a harmonious environment for introspection and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred pine, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features a modular layout, allowing for flexible use of spaces.
03
Elevated meditation platform designed for optimal natural light and views.
04
Utilizes mineral wool insulation for energy efficiency and sustainability.
05
Large glass expanses that seamlessly connect the interior with nature.

The meditation cabin is designed with a focus on creating a peaceful environment within a natural landscape. It serves as a retreat for individuals seeking to connect with themselves and their surroundings. By embracing biophilic principles, it encourages mindfulness through its thoughtful architectural elements. The design allows users to step away from everyday distractions and immerse themselves in a calming space intended for personal reflection.

Modular Configuration

The cabin features a layout composed of three distinct modules: housing, utility, and meditation spaces. The housing module includes a lofted sleeping area, making effective use of vertical space while providing practical storage solutions. The utility module encompasses essential features such as a compact wood-burning fireplace, which supports off-grid living. In contrast, the meditation module is characterized by an elevated platform that offers seating and additional storage for meditation supplies, enhancing the overall experience for users.

Natural Light and Views

A key design element is the extensive use of glass, which is positioned to allow natural light to fill the interior. This thoughtful arrangement creates a connection to the outdoors by framing views of the surrounding landscape. The natural light contributes to the calming atmosphere, blurring the lines between inside and outside. Users can feel more immersed in nature, promoting a sense of tranquility that supports meditation and reflection.

Sustainable Principles

Sustainability is central to the design, with a temporary footprint intended to reduce environmental impact. Prefabricated elements allow for efficient assembly and easy relocation, ensuring minimal disruption to the site. The solid modules utilize mineral wool insulation to enhance energy efficiency, emphasizing comfort while remaining environmentally friendly. These principles are woven into the structure, balancing human needs with the surrounding ecosystem.

Material Selection

The materials chosen for construction reflect a balance of durability and aesthetic integration. Local pine timbers form the structural framework, aligning with regional sourcing and sustainable practices. Charred pine timbers, treated in a Shou Sugi Ban style, create a weather-resistant exterior that complements the natural environment. Additionally, aspen boards are used throughout to enhance light diffusion, contributing to a warm interior that invites calmness and clarity.


Large glass panels allow for uninterrupted views of the landscape, filling the cabin with light and providing an atmosphere that encourages peace and self-reflection. The design brings the outside in, creating a soothing environment that fosters a deep connection with nature.

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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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