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Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Timber Form A Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Patrick Cordelle, Joe Cordelle
Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Timber Form A Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and recycled timber, the cabins create a harmonious retreat for meditation, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding forest landscape while encouraging mindfulness and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from recycled timber, promoting sustainability in design.
02
Features charred wooden shingles, enhancing weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates large glass panels for expansive forest views and natural light.
04
Elevated sleeping areas optimize privacy while providing scenic outlooks.
05
Bent A-frame design allows for efficient snow and rain runoff.
The Ozioli Meditation Cabins are a contemporary architectural project designed to facilitate meditation and reflection within a natural forest environment. The project emphasizes simplicity and sustainability while creating harmonious living spaces that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The cabins are structured to enhance the experience of tranquility, utilizing natural materials and efficient layouts to promote a deep connection to nature.

Design Intent and Functionality

The primary function of the Ozioli Meditation Cabins is to serve as a retreat for individuals seeking solitude and peace. Each cabin is designed with a careful balance of communal and personal spaces, enabling both social interaction and individual reflection. The architectural design incorporates large glass panels that invite natural light, expanding the visual field and integrating the interior with the forest setting. The minimalist aesthetic promotes a calming atmosphere, fostering mindfulness and contemplation.

The effective use of recycled timber in the structural framework reinforces the project's commitment to environmental sustainability. The architectural plans feature elevated sleeping areas, which provide expansive views of the surrounding landscape, and dedicated meditation zones designed specifically for quiet contemplation. The inclusion of a wood-burning stove adds to the cozy ambiance, utilizing a renewable resource for heating.

Unique Aspects of the Design Approach

The Ozioli Meditation Cabins distinguish themselves from typical architectural projects through their thoughtful orientation and relationship with the natural environment. The sharp, pitched roofs not only enhance visual appeal but are also functional, allowing for optimal drainage of rainwater and snow. This consideration of environmental conditions demonstrates a practical approach to architectural design.

The project emphasizes local craftsmanship by sourcing materials that reflect the regional context, creating a sense of place. This focus on locality is also evident in the design’s relationship to the landscape, where each cabin is strategically positioned to maximize privacy while ensuring stunning vistas. The seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors invites occupants to engage with their surroundings, reinforcing the goals of meditation and introspection.

Space Planning and Interior Design

The layout of the Ozioli Meditation Cabins is carefully considered to enhance the user experience. Spaces within the cabins are intentionally arranged to accommodate both communal activities and personal retreats, promoting a dynamic use of the area. Efficient storage solutions are integrated discreetly into the design, maintaining a clean and uncluttered environment.

The choice of neutral colors throughout the interiors supports the calming atmosphere intended for reflection and mindfulness. The architectural sections of the cabins reveal an airy volume that enhances the feeling of spaciousness, while the minimalist furnishings ensure the focus remains on the natural environment rather than distractions.

For further insights into the Ozioli Meditation Cabins, including detailed architectural plans and sections, explore the project presentation to understand the underlying architectural ideas that shape this unique retreat.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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
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