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Charred Wooden Shingles and Spiral Form Create Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Author:
Sara Luque
Charred Wooden Shingles and Spiral Form Create Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and a spiral form, the retreat harmonizes with its natural environment, creating a serene space designed for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features a spiral form that encourages a sense of security and connection to nature.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural stability and insulation.
04
Integrates a water collection system designed for resource efficiency.
05
Employs Feng Shui principles to enhance energy flow throughout the space.

The architectural design project represents a deliberate effort to harmonize built environments with natural landscapes. It is situated in an area characterized by verdant greenery and tranquil surroundings, integrating seamlessly into the existing ecosystem. The project focuses on creating spaces that foster meditation and reflection, prioritizing user comfort and environmental responsibility.

The structure primarily employs wood, glass, metal, and stone, carefully selected to promote sustainability while ensuring aesthetic coherence with the surroundings. A rectangular geometry forms the basis of the cabin, following principles of proportion, specifically the golden ratio, to create a sense of balance and tranquility throughout the design.

The layout consists of three main areas: a meditation space, a rest area, and a storage/kitchen nook. This organization supports multifunctional use while ensuring a flow conducive to relaxation and contemplation. Large windows are strategically placed to maximize natural light and connect interior spaces with the external environment, enhancing the user's sense of being one with nature.

Integration of Sustainable Design Elements

Unique to this project is its commitment to sustainability and ecological awareness. The design includes vegetable gardening that promotes local biodiversity and encourages community involvement. Water collection systems are incorporated to enhance resource efficiency, alongside solar panels that provide energy, ensuring reduced environmental impact.

Additionally, the project integrates Feng Shui principles into its layout. This consideration for energy flow informs the spatial organization and choice of materials, fostering a balanced atmosphere. The heating system, utilizing a central hearth, combines functional performance with aesthetic qualities, enhancing the comfort and ambiance of the interior.

Focus on User Experience and Connection to Nature

The design prioritizes user experience by creating sensory engagement through natural light and material selection. The cabin is not merely a structure; it represents a refuge that encourages tranquility and mindfulness. The inclusion of outdoor spaces designed for quiet reflection underscores the emphasis on creating a harmonious relationship between occupants and their environment.

For further insights into this architectural project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and design elements, readers are encouraged to explore the complete project presentation. The unique approaches to sustainability and spatial organization make this a noteworthy study in contemporary architecture.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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