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Circular Courtyard With Timber Ribs Creating A Meditation Cabin in a Forest Setting

Authors:
Karol Wojtas, Mickael Minghetti
Circular Courtyard With Timber Ribs Creating A Meditation Cabin in a Forest Setting

Project in-detail

A circular courtyard and upward-extending timber ribs define a meditation cabin that seamlessly integrates into its forest environment, promoting mindfulness and reflection through its thoughtful design and material choices.
5 key facts about this project
01
A circular courtyard allows natural light to flood the meditative space.
02
Timber ribs extend upward, reinforcing structure while enhancing visual connection to the forest.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and weather durability.
04
The cabin utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
05
Strategic window placement promotes cross-ventilation and unobstructed forest views.
The "Wooden Crown" is an architectural project designed as a meditation cabin, situated within a dense woodland environment. This design seeks to create a harmonious space that fosters mindfulness and connection to nature. The structure prioritizes functionality for its users while emphasizing a spiritual connection through its spatial organization and materiality.

The cabin is divided into two distinct functional areas. The first area is a physical space that includes essential amenities for everyday living. This section incorporates a series of orthogonal lines to frame views of the surrounding forest, ensuring that residents remain contextually connected to their natural surroundings. The second area serves a spiritual purpose, featuring a circular courtyard open to the sky, encouraging contemplation and reflection. This duality of function allows the cabin to serve both practical and spiritual needs, enhancing the overall user experience.

Architecture and Materiality
The primary construction material for the "Wooden Crown" is timber, chosen for its durability and aesthetic compatibility with the site. Wooden panels and beams form the structural framework, providing both the necessary support and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The roof features wooden shingles, harmonizing with the landscape while offering protection from the elements. Concrete is utilized for the foundation to ensure stability, while insulation is integrated within the wooden walls to promote energy efficiency.

Windows play a significant role in the architecture, with double-glazed designs enabling natural light to permeate the interior while offering thermal control. This connection to the outdoors is essential in creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The design also allows for cross-ventilation, which further enhances the cabin's sustainability and comfort.

Innovative Design Approaches
A defining feature of the "Wooden Crown" is its crown-like aesthetic, characterized by a series of upward-extending wooden ribs. This design not only contributes to the structural integrity of the cabin but also serves as a visual symbol of the connection between nature and human experience. The circular layout of the meditation space represents wholeness and balance, integral concepts within meditative practices. This thoughtful approach to spatial arrangement emphasizes the importance of the environment in enhancing the meditative experience.

Adaptability is another unique aspect of the design. The cabin can accommodate changing weather conditions, altering the atmosphere based on the seasons. This adaptability, coupled with the emphasis on light and openness, creates a dynamic space that promotes mindfulness throughout the year.

For further insights into the "Wooden Crown," including architectural plans, sections, and detailed design elements, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. An in-depth examination will provide a comprehensive understanding of the architectural ideas and features that make this meditation cabin a thoughtful component of its natural setting.
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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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