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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Meditative Retreats in a Forest Setting

Authors:
Victor Abuchaibe peña, Enrique Angulo viloria
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Meditative Retreats in a Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the cabins seamlessly integrate into the forest landscape, providing an ideal environment for meditation and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins utilize Shou Sugi Ban technique for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Design incorporates modular construction for rapid assembly on-site.
03
The layout promotes both indoor and outdoor meditation experiences.
04
Natural light is optimized through strategic window placements in the bent A-frame.
05
Sustainable materials minimize environmental impact while providing structural integrity.
Silencio Cabins is an architectural project focused on creating spaces conducive to mindfulness and meditation within a natural forest environment. The design aims to provide a retreat from urban life, fostering personal reflection through its integration with the surrounding landscape. Each cabin serves as a self-contained unit for meditation practices, offering a blend of indoor and outdoor spaces that enhance the user's connection to nature.

Modular timber structures form the basis of the project, prioritizing sustainability and ease of assembly. The use of Norway spruce ensures structural integrity while maintaining an eco-friendly profile. The architectural composition incorporates elements that address both bioclimatic performance and aesthetic coherence with the environment, ultimately supporting its therapeutic function.

A Distinctive Approach to Design

The Silencio Cabins employ a unique architectural approach by leveraging prefabrication techniques in timber construction. This allows for rapid onsite assembly, minimizing disruption to the natural surroundings. Not only does this process reduce waste, but it also speeds up construction timelines compared to traditional methods.

In addition, the design incorporates the Shou Sugi Ban technique, a traditional Japanese method of wood treatment that enhances durability and insulation. This technique not only protects the wood from the elements but provides a rich textural quality that resonates with the natural setting. The architectural layout considers seasonal changes, maximizing natural light and ventilation, which is important for both comfort and energy efficiency.

Spatial Configuration and User Interaction

The arrangement of the cabins promotes both individual and communal experiences. Each cabin features both interior meditation areas, designed to capitalize on natural light, and outdoor spaces that encourage engagement with the natural environment. This duality supports a range of meditation practices, allowing users to choose their preferred settings according to personal needs.

The design emphasizes sensory engagement, inviting users to interact with various elements such as sound, light, and the tactile surface of the timber. The carefully orchestrated relationship between the cabins and their forest environment cultivates a setting that encourages relaxation and mindfulness.

Silencio Cabins exemplify a holistic design approach that unites architecture with nature, offering a retreat that is both functional and aesthetically aligned with its environment. To understand more about the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that inform this project, exploring the complete project presentation is highly recommended for those interested in contemporary architectural practices focused on wellness and sustainability.
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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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