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 Enveloping a Tranquil Meditation Retreat in Natural Wood Setting

Authors:
Natnaree Ruethaivanich, Sirinya Wutthilaohaphan, Gunn Chaiyapatranun
Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping a Tranquil Meditation Retreat in Natural Wood Setting

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and expansive glass walls that invite the surrounding landscape indoors, this meditation retreat offers a serene environment for reflection and community connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a hypocaust system for efficient natural heating.
02
Features a reflecting pond that enhances the visual connection to nature.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved durability and weather resistance.
04
Designed with expansive glass panels to maximize natural light and outdoor views.
05
Emphasizes community engagement through a centrally located hearth for gatherings.
The KÄUTA project presents a thoughtful exploration of architecture aimed at creating a meditation retreat that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. This architectural design prides itself on fostering a serene environment conducive to reflection and balance, embodying a philosophy that emphasizes simplicity and the profound relationship between built spaces and the landscape they occupy.

The primary function of this architectural endeavor is to serve as a sanctuary for meditation, self-discovery, and community connection. KÄUTA offers visitors a tranquil setting away from the chaos of everyday life, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in a meditative journey, engage in group activities, or find solace in solitude. This emphasis on multifunctionality is a key aspect of the design, catering to a diverse range of interactions while maintaining an atmosphere of calm.

At the heart of the design is the main sanctuary, which features expansive glass walls that facilitate a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. This thoughtful integration not only floods the interior with natural light but also connects users visually to the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the idea that the natural world is an essential component of the meditative experience. Detailed attention is paid to the entrance sequence, which guides visitors through a curated pathway, enhancing their sense of arrival and preparing them for the tranquility that lies ahead.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the project’s execution. A conscientious selection of materials, including warm wood, transparent glass, durable metal components, and natural stone, contributes to the overall aesthetic and coherence of the design. Wood is utilized for structural elements and flooring, offering warmth and texture, while glass serves to provide unobstructed views and natural illumination. The incorporation of natural stone in outdoor features blends the structure with its surroundings, providing a tactile contrast to the sleekness of the glass.

Several unique design approaches characterize KÄUTA, elevating it beyond conventional architectural practices. One notable innovation is the implementation of natural ventilation and lighting strategies. The use of operable skylights and strategically placed glass panels not only helps maintain a comfortable indoor climate but also reduces reliance on artificial lighting, enhancing energy efficiency. This attention to sustainability speaks to a growing awareness in contemporary architecture and aligns the project with current environmental considerations.

The inclusion of a central hearth embodies both practical and symbolic significance. Serving as a gathering point for visitors, the hearth is designed as a hypocaust, which naturally warms the space through circulated air. This design element not only contributes to physical comfort but also embodies the themes of community and shared experience. Additionally, a reflecting pond is integrated into the site's landscape, offering a visual and auditory counterpoint that encourages introspection and dialogue with the natural world.

KÄUTA is designed to be user-centric, with spaces adapted to various formats for meditation, workshops, or personal reflection. The layout promotes fluidity and flexibility, allowing users to navigate the sanctuary according to their needs, further enhancing the retreat experience. This adaptability ensures that the space can evolve with its users, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity.

Ultimately, the KÄUTA project stands out for its focus on creating a retreat that is deeply rooted in its environment while catering to the needs of its visitors. By using architectural design to thoughtfully engage with both the physical and metaphysical aspects of space, this project exemplifies the principles of contemporary architecture grounded in sustainability, community, and the human experience. For more detailed insights into the project, including architectural plans, sections, and innovative design elements, readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive project presentation further.
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