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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Geometry Create a Reflective Meditation Sanctuary

Authors:
Gilbert Antonious, Ansell samuel Julianto
Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Geometry Create a Reflective Meditation Sanctuary

Project in-detail

Employing charred wooden shingles and a flexible geometric design, the meditation cabin seamlessly integrates with its forested surroundings to create a serene space for quiet reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin features a flexible configuration that allows users to adjust the space from open to closed based on their meditation needs.
02
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, the exterior offers both aesthetic appeal and enhanced weather resistance.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural stability while promoting ecological sustainability.
04
The design incorporates large glass elements to foster a continuous connection with the surrounding forest landscape.
05
A bent A-frame structure facilitates optimal airflow and natural light, enhancing the overall meditative experience.
The Navillera meditation cabin project represents a thoughtful integration of architecture and nature, designed as a tranquil space for silent contemplation within a forested environment. This architectural endeavor aims to offer individuals a retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, facilitating a deep connection with oneself and the surrounding landscape. The cabin serves as a dedicated area for meditation, promoting mindfulness and reflection, while its design reflects a commitment to enhancing the user's experience through thoughtful spatial organization and material selection.

The project embodies the essence of sanctuary, characterized by its intentional duality that allows for both openness and seclusion. The unique geometry of the cabin consists of interlocking forms, which not only create a visually engaging structure but also allow for flexibility in how the space can be used. Users can alter the configuration from open to closed, depending on their personal needs and the nature of their meditation practice. This adaptability enhances the overall functionality of the cabin, encouraging users to engage with their environment in varying ways.

Central to the design is the careful choice of materials. The cabin utilizes sustainably sourced wood, which provides warmth and a natural aesthetic, promoting a seamless transition between the building and the forest. Glass elements are thoughtfully incorporated to facilitate natural light flow while maintaining visual connections to the exterior landscape. This integration helps to dissolve barriers between the cabin and nature, fostering an immersive experience conducive to meditation. Steel or metal components are integrated to ensure structural integrity, providing a modern contrast to the natural materials used throughout the design.

Light plays a crucial role in the Navillera project. Images illustrating various times of day show how sunlight filters through the space, casting soft shadows and creating intimate ambiances that support different meditation practices. This interaction with light highlights the importance of changing environmental conditions on the user's experience, offering a dynamic setting that evolves throughout the day and seasons.

The Navillera cabin’s design also reflects an understanding of seasonal changes, maintaining both aesthetic and functional viability regardless of the weather. This sensitivity to the environment underscores the broader theme of coexistence with nature inherent in the project. Users are encouraged to not only experience the cabin itself but also to absorb the surrounding elements—the rustling leaves, the sound of birds, and shifting light patterns—all contributing to the meditative atmosphere.

This project succeeds in presenting a model for how architecture can transcend mere functionality, transforming space into a medium for personal exploration and transformation. By prioritizing user experience, the design fosters a sense of agency, enabling individuals to create their own environment tailored to their specific needs. The cabin's approach to both user interaction and environmental engagement invites individuals to understand the significance of their surroundings while engaging in self-reflection.

In summary, the Navillera meditation cabin reflects an architectural philosophy that appreciates the relationship between humans and nature. Its design enhances the potential for mindfulness and introspection, making it a compelling example of how thoughtful architecture can nurture the spirit through seamless integration with the natural world. For those looking to further explore this project, including the intricate architectural plans and sections that delineate its unique features, additional details on the artistic and functional aspects will provide deeper insights into the design process behind this compelling sanctuary.
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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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