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Circular Overlapping Plates Create A Meditative Space for Reflection

Author:
Kenan Vatrenjak
Circular Overlapping Plates Create A Meditative Space for Reflection

Project in-detail

A circular arrangement of overlapping plates forms a space that fosters reflection and interaction with nature, serving as a retreat for processing flower essences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular plates create visual connections with the landscape.
02
Altar mechanism utilizes winches and ropes for adaptability.
03
Design fosters a meditative environment for introspection.
04
Pathway engages occupants with the surrounding nature.
05
Glimpses of sunlight filter through the overlapping plates.

“Tiny Boundless” is an architectural intervention that creates a connection between its occupants and the surrounding landscape. Located along a designated path, the cabin serves as a focal point, guiding visitors to pay attention to both the journey and their interaction with nature. The design concept aims to create a space for reflection and awareness while also maintaining a close relationship with the environment.

Pathway Design

The path leading to the cabin rises over a small bridge, inviting exploration as it transitions from the outside world to the interior space. This approach encourages visitors to engage with the landscape from the very beginning, enhancing their experience as they move toward the cabin. The elevation adds visual interest and emphasizes the act of moving closer to the retreat.

Spatial Configuration

Inside, the cabin is defined by a circular arrangement of overlapping plates. This unique layout allows for glimpses of the natural surroundings, with sunlight filtering through the openings to light up the interior. The design strikes a balance between feeling enclosed and open, creating a relationship between isolation and connection to nature. This interplay enriches the overall visitor experience.

Altar and Mechanism

At the top of the cabin is an altar designed for processing flower essences, which utilizes a sailing ship mechanism featuring winches and ropes for adjusting its position. This thoughtful feature integrates practical elements into the design while encouraging interaction. The altar serves as a central point of interest and highlights the project’s intention to engage visitors in a hands-on manner.

Material and Light Interaction

Although specific materials are not mentioned in the presentation, the design focuses on how light interacts with space. The overlapping plates create a dynamic play of shadows and highlights, changing throughout the day. This balance of design, light, and nature captures the essence of the cabin’s goal to strengthen the relationship between occupants and their surroundings.

The cabin concludes with a space that fosters a rich experience, merging functionality with a deep connection to the natural world.

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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

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