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 Extensive Glass Integrate Nature Within Urban Meditation Space

Author:
Jason Earnest
Charred Wooden Shingles and Extensive Glass Integrate Nature Within Urban Meditation Space

Project in-detail

Nestled within an urban setting, the use of charred wooden shingles and expansive glass invites a seamless connection with nature, creating a serene meditation space designed for mindfulness and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to provide structural integrity while maintaining a lightweight design.
03
Features a bent A-frame design, allowing for optimal natural light penetration and spaciousness.
04
Designed with flexible spaces that adapt to various meditation and community activities.
05
Integrates large glass panels to blur boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, fostering a connection to nature.
The architectural project under discussion, known as the Meditation Cabin, serves as a thoughtful exploration of the intersection between modern design and a deep connection to nature. Designed to function as a sanctuary for meditation and relaxation, this project is positioned in an urban context, intending to provide users with a serene space amidst the unpredictable rhythm of city life. The cabin aims to create an inviting atmosphere that fosters mindfulness and contemplation, allowing individuals to escape the noise and distractions of their daily environment.

At its core, the Meditation Cabin represents a philosophy centered on well-being, exploring how architecture can enhance self-reflection and personal growth. The structure is thoughtfully designed to embody tranquility through its form and spatial organization. Using an open plan layout, the cabin encourages fluid movement within the space while promoting a sense of community. It features distinct areas for communal activities alongside private zones for solitary meditation, allowing users to engage with one another while also providing opportunities for personal reflection.

One of the most significant design aspects of the Meditation Cabin is its extensive use of natural light. Large skylights and glass panels seamlessly integrate the indoors with the outdoor environment, inviting the beauty of nature inside. This design choice not only helps to create an airy, uplifting ambience but also emphasizes the idea of interconnectedness with the external world. By minimizing physical boundaries, the project challenges conventional notions of enclosed interior spaces and fosters an openness that is particularly beneficial in urban settings.

The materiality of the Meditation Cabin further reinforces its design ethos. The careful selection of materials such as wooden panels and glass reflects a balance between warmth and transparency. Wooden elements provide a tactile quality, inviting users to touch and connect with the space on a sensory level. In contrast, the glass panels encourage visual connections with the surroundings, enhancing the users' experience of nature even within an urban context. This combination of materials contributes not only to the aesthetic quality of the project but also to its sustainable credentials. The emphasis on environmentally friendly materials demonstrates a commitment to environmentally conscious design practices.

Each part of the Meditation Cabin is instantiated with intention. From the central skylight that acts as an eye to the sky, allowing natural daylight to flood the space, to the modular components that provide flexible usage, every detail serves a purpose within the overall vision of the project. The design incorporates features that allow for adaptability, making it possible for the space to be used for various communal activities, workshops, or individual meditation sessions as needs arise.

What sets the Meditation Cabin apart from conventional architectural designs is its holistic approach to blending functionality and emotional resonance. It recognizes the importance of mental health in today's fast-paced society, making a delicate argument for the integration of nature within urban architecture. This unique perspective asserts that architecture can be more than just a physical shelter; it can be a valuable tool for improving quality of life by creating spaces that promote peace, reflection, and community.

Visitors interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this project will benefit from exploring the related architectural plans, sections, and designs. These supplementary materials provide invaluable insights into how the various components of the Meditation Cabin come together, illustrating the thoughtful and cohesive nature of the overall design. Each element contributes to the cabin's serene ambiance and reinforces its function as a space for meditation and connection. As you delve into the project presentation, consider the architectural ideas that underpin this innovative endeavor and how they can inspire similar initiatives within urban environments.
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