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Charred Timber Retreat With Natural Light Flow

Authors:
Victor Abuchaibe peña, Enrique Angulo viloria
Charred Timber Retreat With Natural Light Flow

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred Norway Spruce, the cabins utilize vertical timber structures to create a harmonious blend of interior and exterior meditation spaces that promote personal reflection within a natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred Norway Spruce for enhanced durability and insulation.
02
Open facades designed to filter light and air while maintaining privacy.
03
Includes dedicated spaces for both exterior and interior meditation practices.
04
High ceilings create a natural ventilation system through a chimney effect.
05
Ground-level areas support communal activities alongside individual meditation spaces.

Silencio Cabins offers a thoughtful response to the growing need for spaces dedicated to meditation and mindfulness. Set in a tranquil natural environment, the design is oriented towards enhancing personal reflection and connection with the surroundings. By integrating both private and communal meditation practices, the cabins create an inviting atmosphere that encourages visitors to explore their inner selves.

Architecture Concept

The project centers on two primary forms of meditation: exterior Samatha and interior Vipassana. Samatha engages practitioners in focusing on a single element within an environment largely shaped by vertical timber structures. These structures serve to engage the senses, allowing light and air to filter through while providing an open and inviting space. This connection to nature plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of meditation.



Material Selection

Prefabricated Norway Spruce timber is the main material used, selected for its environmental suitability. The timber undergoes a treatment known as Shou Sugi Ban, which improves its durability and insulation. This treatment not only helps to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the seasons, but it also aligns with a commitment to sustainable design and minimal maintenance.



Spatial Arrangement

The layout of the cabins promotes both solo and communal practices. High ceilings support natural airflow and create a sense of openness. The cabins include enclosed spaces designed for Vipassana meditation, where individuals can find quiet and focus. Ground-level areas cater to activities such as yoga and include a firepit, supporting a holistic approach to meditation and well-being.



Design Detail

Gabled roofs nod to local building traditions, maintaining a sense of contextual connection. The careful positioning of windows and openings facilitates a flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing visitors to engage with their environment. Throughout the interiors, light interacts with the materials, creating a calming atmosphere that encourages deeper immersion in the meditative experience.

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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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