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Charred Timber Retreat Framing Serenity Through Natural Light

Authors:
Justin Pak, Justin Wohl, Natalie Ho
Charred Timber Retreat Framing Serenity Through Natural Light

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred timber and bright plywood, this small meditation cabin enhances connection to nature through deep recessed openings that frame serene views, providing a dedicated space for reflection and mindfulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred timber for durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Bright plywood interiors create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
03
Deep recessed openings frame views of the surrounding forest.
04
A low recessed window enhances the connection to nature.
05
Designed as a dedicated space for meditation and reflection.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is a retreat located in the verdant landscape of New Zealand, designed to promote relaxation and self-reflection. The concept focuses on blending the structure with its natural surroundings. The goal is to create a space that encourages mindfulness and tranquility for its users.

Materiality

Charred timber covers the exterior of the cabin, offering both a protective layer and a natural look. This choice connects the building to the environment while ensuring it withstands various weather conditions. The textured surface created by the charring process stands out against the lush greenery, emphasizing a bond with nature.

Spatial Organization

As visitors approach, the cabin gradually comes into view. The entryway allows for a gentle transition from the outside world. Visitors are encouraged to remove their shoes as they enter, fostering a sense of respect for the space. This small act signifies a shift to a more tranquil setting.

Interior Experience

Inside, bright plywood lines the walls of the meditation room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The room features recessed openings that provide views of the surrounding forest, reinforcing the connection to the outdoors. A low window at the entry captures attention, setting the stage for focused meditation while inviting the calming landscape into the space.

Sensory Engagement

Light enters through a skylight, enhancing the room's sense of airiness. Near the fireplace, a bench offers a comfortable spot for contemplation. Sounds of nature, like rustling leaves and birds, fill the space, while the subtle scent of dried flowers from the courtyard further integrates the indoor and outdoor experiences.

Large windows frame shifting views of the landscape, allowing the surroundings to change throughout the day, creating a dynamic visual experience that invites an ongoing 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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