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Charred Wooden Shingles and Circular Pavilions Designed for Mindful Retreats

Authors:
Meiri miki Shinohara, Yu-hsiang Wang, Ryan mu-jung Chiu, Hiroshi Takeyama
Charred Wooden Shingles and Circular Pavilions Designed for Mindful Retreats

Project in-detail

Circular pavilions constructed with charred wooden shingles create a serene environment for meditation and reflection within a secluded forested landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular layout promotes individual contemplation alongside communal engagement.
02
Use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability and fire resistance.
03
Timber structures feature cross-laminated panels for efficient construction and sustainability.
04
Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest environment.
05
Multi-functional spaces adapt to various activities, supporting both privacy and community.
The project titled "A Village of One's Own" serves as an architectural exploration of meditation within a forested locale. This design creates a cohesive environment that fosters individual reflection and community interaction. Comprised of interconnected pavilions, the project emphasizes the importance of natural surroundings while challenging conventional architectural practices focused solely on urban environments.

Integration with Nature

The design of "A Village of One's Own" emphasizes a transition from the constructed to the natural world. The layout consists of a circular arrangement of pavilions, which include a sleeping cabin, toilet, workshop/meditation space, cooking/timber storage, vegetable garden, jetty, bench, and open spaces. This configuration allows users to experience the environment intimately while promoting a collective journey through a mindful experience. The architectural choices reflect a harmony with nature, utilizing materials that are aesthetically and functionally aligned with the site context.

Sustainable Materiality

A significant aspect of the project's design is its robust material palette. The utilization of timber cladding and thatched roofs connects the structures to local architectural traditions while embodying sustainable practices. These materials ensure durability and energy efficiency, allowing for natural insulation and enhancing the overall experience of the inhabitants. The inclusion of double-glazed timber frame windows promotes natural light and minimizes energy consumption. Other materials, such as plywood sheathing and zinc eaves, further enhance the integrity of the structures while offering practical benefits.

Innovative Design Approaches

What sets this project apart from typical architectural exercises is its focus on promoting meditation through spatial organization. Each pavilion serves a specific purpose, allowing users to engage in solitary reflection or communal interaction. The design encourages flexibility of use, with spaces that can adapt to various activities, supporting both individual needs and collective experiences. The emphasis on privacy juxtaposed with openness enhances the user's interaction with the environment, providing a balance that is often overlooked in urban design.

For an in-depth understanding of "A Village of One's Own," readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs to gain comprehensive insights into the unique approaches and architectural ideas that define this project.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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