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Circular Retreat Embracing Greenery with Wooden Elements and a Central Altar

Author:
Kamil Trojan
Circular Retreat Embracing Greenery with Wooden Elements and a Central Altar

Project in-detail

A central altar illuminated by a skylight anchors a circular cabin adorned with hanging gardens and wooden elements, creating a harmonious retreat for meditation and communal healing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central altar positioned under a skylight for natural illumination.
02
Circular design promotes community engagement during meditation.
03
Hanging gardens inspired by kiwi fur enhance biodiversity.
04
Wooden facade incorporates vertical and horizontal patterns for energy flow.
05
Design facilitates various healing activities in adaptable spaces.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is designed to fit harmoniously into its natural setting, promoting a sense of community and mindfulness. Its circular shape reflects the focus on shared meditation, yoga, and healing. By integrating the structure with the landscape, the cabin aims to enhance the connection between users and their surroundings, utilizing natural light and organic materials.

Layout and Spatial Organization

The circular layout serves as the foundation for the cabin's design. This form allows users to gather together, fostering community and shared experiences during meditation and other activities. Each area is flexible, accommodating different healing practices such as flower essence processing or yoga. This thoughtful arrangement ensures that the space is versatile and welcoming for groups.

Natural Light and Connection to Nature

Natural light is a central feature of the cabin. The altar is placed directly under a skylight that brings daylight into the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The surrounding windows and doors offer views of the landscape, allowing nature to become a part of the indoor experience. This connection to the outdoors encourages mindfulness and reflection for those inside.

Materiality and Aesthetic Details

Wood is the primary material used throughout the cabin, valued for its natural beauty and lasting quality. The double wooden facade incorporates vertical patterns alongside irregular horizontal elements, symbolizing the flow of energy within the space. Hanging gardens inspired by the appearance of Kiwi bird fur enhance the visual appeal and promote local biodiversity, further tying the structure to its environment.

Functional Elements

The base of the cabin provides additional benefits, offering storage room and a comfortable sitting area. This design feature encourages visitors to interact with the surrounding landscape. Each aspect of the cabin’s design is intentional, contributing to an atmosphere that invites quiet reflection and personal growth. The overall execution results in a peaceful retreat aimed at fostering relaxation and connection to nature.

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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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