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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Materials Shape a Sanctuary for Meditation

Author:
Kinga Bugaj
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Materials Shape a Sanctuary for Meditation

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and local materials, this meditation cabin harmoniously integrates with the forest environment, providing a serene space for reflection and mindfulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a natural aesthetic.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to maximize structural strength while minimizing environmental impact.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that promotes optimal light capture and scenic views of the surrounding forest.
04
Modular layout allows for flexible space usage, accommodating both individual and communal meditation practices.
05
Designed with intentional openings to create seamless connections between indoor and outdoor environments.
The Inner Island project is an architectural endeavor created as a meditation cabin located in the serene landscapes of New Zealand. This structure is designed for the Earth Energy Sanctuary, offering a tranquil refuge that fosters mindfulness and connection to nature. The project represents an integration of architecture with the natural environment, aiming to provide an immersive experience that enhances individual reflection and communal engagement.

The primary function of the Inner Island cabin is to serve as a space for meditation and contemplation. Visitors can engage in both solitary and group activities, allowing for a flexible use of space that meets the diverse needs of its users. The design thoughtfully balances privacy with social interaction, recognizing that meditation can be a personal practice as well as one shared in community.

The architectural design employs a modular approach, comprising multiple interconnected cubes that form the overall structure. This modularity is significant as it allows for customization of the interior spaces, enabling individuals to create a meditation environment that resonates with their personal practice. The layout includes designated meditation areas, common gathering spaces, and transitions that encourage movement through the structure and the surrounding landscape. Each part of the design is carefully considered to offer a serene environment while also respecting the natural elements at play.

Materiality plays a key role in the project’s success. The predominant use of wood throughout the cabin introduces warmth and a sense of home, while concrete is utilized for structural stability that adheres to the aesthetic intentions of the design. Glass elements are strategically placed to enhance natural lighting and create a seamless visual connection with the wooded surroundings, allowing inhabitants to engage with the scenic beauty outside. Additionally, natural stone accents ground the overall design, reinforcing a connection to the earth and the local context.

What makes the Inner Island project particularly noteworthy are its unique design approaches that prioritize sustainability and user experience. The careful selection of local materials not only minimizes environmental impact but also weaves together the building and its surroundings. The architectural design maximizes energy efficiency through its thoughtful orientation, with windows arranged to optimize light while providing breathtaking views of the forest.

The project’s spatial organization demonstrates a clear intention to create an environment conducive to deep meditation while supporting varied activities. Floor plans reveal a dynamic interaction between spaces, with each area serving a specific purpose yet maintaining an overall cohesiveness in design. The elevations and sections illustrate how the structure interacts with light throughout the day, further enhancing the experience of those using the cabin.

The Inner Island meditation cabin stands as a testament to contemporary architectural practices that prioritize mindfulness, community, and ecological sensitivity. It showcases how thoughtful architecture can create spaces that resonate with users, encouraging a connection to both oneself and the natural world. This project invites viewers and users alike to explore its presentation and learn more about its architectural plans, sections, designs, and underlying ideas that support its concept. Engaging with the details of the project may provide further insights into this well-conceived space designed for reflection and tranquility.
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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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