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Charred Wood Retreat with Elevated Meditation Space

Authors:
Hannes Mettler, Marcos Martín carrión
Charred Wood Retreat with Elevated Meditation Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wood, this elevated cabin features a meditation altar and tilted walls that optimize natural light, providing a tranquil space dedicated to reflection and personal growth.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built with locally sourced charred wood for durability and aesthetic contrast.
02
Elevated design allows natural elements to flow beneath, preserving the landscape.
03
Meditation altar features tilted walls that maximize natural light for spiritual activities.
04
Three distinct levels create a layered experience for users, enhancing solitude.
05
Accessed via a footbridge, reinforcing a sense of retreat from the outside world.

The Dhyana Cabin is designed to foster meditation and personal reflection. Situated in a landscape with six trees on a gentle slope, it draws inspiration from the Sanskrit word 'Dhyana,' which means uninterrupted concentration. The cabin creates a space that encourages a connection with nature while promoting a quiet environment for introspection and self-discovery.

Architecture Concept
The design reflects the idea that meditation is a journey inward. The cabin is elevated, allowing natural elements to flow beneath, thereby preserving the site’s ecological balance. Its layout enhances solitude and encourages a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a calming setting for reflection.

Spatial Organization
The cabin is organized into three distinct levels, each serving specific functions that align with meditation practices. The entrance, accessed by a footbridge from the south, acts as a welcoming space between nature and the cabin. This threshold enhances the experience for visitors, blending the interior with the exterior landscape.

The second level features a sacred area that includes an altar for spiritual practices. The walls are tilted to capture natural light, which supports the preparation of flower essences. The altar is designed at a comfortable height, making it easy for users to interact with it during their activities, thus deepening their spiritual experience.

The third level is meant for meditation. It is spacious enough for an instructor and participants. Beginners can lean against the vertical wall space while still focusing on the instructor. The sloping roof guides users into a seated position, encouraging relaxation and enhancing concentration. A small stove is conveniently placed at the back to provide warmth during colder weather.

Design Details
Material choices are important in the cabin's construction. The entrance and meditation areas are built using charred wood from locally sourced Pinus radiata. This material creates a visual contrast with the surrounding nature. In contrast, unburned wood is used in the sacred area. This choice emphasizes its central role within the cabin.

Overall, the thoughtful arrangement of spaces, careful selection of materials, and design features create an environment that supports quiet contemplation and reflection. Each element contributes to a design that engages users while respecting the natural landscape.

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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
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