Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Serene Meditation Retreat

Authors:
G. crystel Villafranca, William Valle-pinto
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Serene Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Emphasizing sustainability with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, this meditation retreat seamlessly integrates into its natural surroundings, inviting users into a tranquil space designed for mindfulness and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin features an octagonal layout that promotes a fluid, expansive meditation experience.
02
Charred wooden shingles create a resilient exterior while enhancing the aesthetic connection to the natural environment.
03
Large, floor-to-ceiling glass panels provide uninterrupted views and facilitate immersion in the surrounding landscape.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels not only offer structural integrity but also contribute to the cabin's sustainable design ethos.
05
Integrating natural gardens within the space enhances the overall tranquility, fostering a deeper connection to nature.
The Mauri Meditation Cabin is an architectural project that embodies a deep commitment to mindfulness, spirituality, and the natural world. This design functions as a serene retreat, inviting users to step into a space specifically curated for meditation and introspective practices. The cabin represents a harmonious blend of functionality and connection with nature, creating an environment where users can engage in self-reflection, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

The design centers around an octagonal form, a choice that promotes balance and fluidity within the space. This shape not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also facilitates a flow of activities that is conducive to meditation. The unique enveloping structure offers varying ceiling heights, creating a sense of both openness and enclosure, encouraging mental clarity and expansion. The architectural approach emphasizes a seamless transition between the interior and exterior, allowing natural light to permeate throughout and enhancing the overall meditative experience.

The cabin is constructed with a careful selection of materials that resonate with the site’s environmental context. Predominantly featuring wood, the use of this organic material for structural elements and flooring fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere. The exterior is clad in wooden slats, which serve a dual purpose of providing privacy and creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. This rhythmic effect adds an element of visual interest, enriching the sensory experience of users as they move through the space. Glass is utilized in large panels that frame views of the surrounding landscape, facilitating a visual connection with the outdoors and deepening the user’s relationship with nature.

Concrete plays a critical role in the project as well, forming robust meditative platforms and internal structural features that provide both stability and aesthetic grounding. This material simplicity reflects the overarching theme of the design: an emphasis on clarity and a stripped-back approach that underlines the importance of mindfulness.

Functionally, the Mauri Meditation Cabin is thoughtfully designed to support various activities centered around meditation and wellness. It includes dedicated areas for individual practices as well as spaces for group sessions, catering to diverse user needs. Elevated meditation platforms allow for a range of postures and seating, enriching the meditation practice. Furthermore, the inclusion of natural gardens and landscaped surroundings fosters a sense of tranquility that resonates throughout the cabin. These elements not only enhance the aesthetic quality of the space but also serve to connect users more deeply with the environment, prompting each person to immerse themselves in the calming influences of nature.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the Mauri Meditation Cabin. The conscious choice of an octagonal layout, for instance, invites a degree of spatial dynamism that traditional rectangular forms do not provide. This encourages a multiplicity of uses and flows within the space, allowing users to engage with their surroundings in varied ways. The integration of large windows greatly enhances the connection to the external landscape, facilitating a continual dialogue between the interior of the cabin and the surrounding natural world.

The emphasis on biomimicry, where the architecture reflects and complements the patterns and rhythms found in nature, is a fundamental consideration in the design process. This not only honors the cultural significance surrounding meditation practices but also promotes sustainable values in architecture. The Mauri Meditation Cabin is a testament to thoughtful design that prioritizes both user experience and environmental context.

For those looking to explore the intricacies of the Mauri Meditation Cabin further, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, I encourage you to delve deeper into the project presentation. Engaging with these elements will provide richer insights into the architectural ideas and design methodologies that define this contemplative space, enhancing your understanding of its significance in the realm of modern architecture.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy