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Charred Timber Retreat Embraces Nature Through Vertical Spaces

Author:
Edmund hong xiang Tan
Charred Timber Retreat Embraces Nature Through Vertical Spaces

Project in-detail

Charred timber forms a retreat that captures verticality and intimacy, creating a serene environment for meditation while harmonizing with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabin incorporates a vertical altar for processing flower essences.
02
Bifold window allows flexible interaction with the environment.
03
Design emphasizes vertical patterns inspired by surrounding trees.
04
Charred timber enhances the tactile quality of the structure.
05
Sited to maximize privacy within the natural landscape.

Meditation on Blue is a design that emphasizes the connection between a cabin and its surrounding environment. Set within a gently sloped grassy area and encircled by trees, the cabin promotes a quiet relationship with nature. Inspired by the poetry of New Zealand poet Joanna Margaret Paul, this design prioritizes calmness and reflection while offering versatile space for occupants.

Conceptual Framework

The cabin is designed to blend with its natural surroundings. Its form reflects the vertical patterns seen in nearby trees, allowing it to fit into the landscape without overwhelming it. This thoughtful design creates areas that are both open and intimate, making it suitable for meditation and contemplation.

Functional Flexibility

A key feature of the design is the vertical altar, which serves multiple purposes, including the processing of flower essences. This altar can be raised to allow more sunlight, which adapts to the changing needs of the occupants. When not in use, it can retract to provide coverage for the meditation area, showcasing the cabin’s adaptable nature.

Spatial Interaction

The vertical bifold window is another important element of the cabin, encouraging movement between the inside and outside. This window can be adjusted according to the weather or specific activities, enhancing the experience of the users. By providing ventilation while protecting from the elements, it helps maintain comfort while ensuring a connection to the surroundings.

Material Selection

Charred timber is the chosen material for the cabin, selected for its texture and ability to relate to the natural environment. This material choice adds to the cabin's sensory experience and supports its visual harmony with the landscape.

The overall design leads to a calming atmosphere, featuring open spaces and cozy corners that respond thoughtfully to both occupant needs and the surrounding 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

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