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Circular Skylight and Green Roof Integrate Healing Space with Cross-Laminated Timber Construction

Author:
Darran Brennan
Circular Skylight and Green Roof Integrate Healing Space with Cross-Laminated Timber Construction

Project in-detail

Featuring a circular skylight that bathes a sunken meditation space in natural light, this design utilizes cross-laminated timber and a biodiverse green roof to create a serene retreat focused on healing and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features a circular skylight that enhances natural lighting in the meditation space.
02
Incorporates a biodiverse green roof for improved thermal performance and biodiversity.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and environmental sustainability.
04
Includes a hypocaust heating system for efficient, natural warmth throughout the space.
05
Designed with a sunken layout to deepen the connection between the cabin and the earth.
The Haumanu Meditation Cabin is a thoughtful architectural project designed to facilitate mindfulness and healing through its serene environment. It reflects a commitment to enhancing user experience by promoting a deep connection with nature. The structure integrates sustainable design practices and innovative building techniques, creating a space conducive to meditation and introspection.

The cabin features a circular form that symbolizes unity and wholeness, central to its meditative purpose. Its sunken design allows users to engage with the earth, providing physical and psychological grounding. Natural light enters through a circular skylight, illuminating the interior and enhancing the cabin's comforting atmosphere.

Unique Design Approaches to Harmony with Nature

A significant aspect of the Haumanu Meditation Cabin’s design is its integration with the surrounding landscape. Utilizing local materials reinforces this connection, promoting sustainability while ensuring visual coherence with the environment. The structure is elevated on minimal timber columns, reducing its footprint on the land and allowing natural vegetation to thrive uninterrupted beneath and around it.

The project incorporates a green roof system that contributes to thermal regulation and biodiversity. By selecting indigenous plant species, the green roof provides habitat, promotes ecological balance, and visual continuity with the natural surroundings. This ensures that the cabin is not merely placed in nature, but is a part of it.

The architectural layout also includes a hypocaust heating system, employing a traditional method that warms the space naturally and efficiently. This feature reflects a thoughtful balance between modern construction techniques and historical methodologies, enhancing the project's functionality while minimizing environmental impact.

Interior Design Focus on Meditation

Inside, the cabin includes a designated area for flower essence therapies, promoting healing arts. The circular skylight above this area serves as both a source of natural light and a symbolic element, connecting the users to the wider universe. The materials within the cabin, predominantly sustainable timber and glass, create a warm, inviting space, fostering relaxation and reflection.

The emphasis on circular forms within both the architecture and the interior design reinforces the project's focus on balance and wholeness. This design strategy creates flow and continuity throughout the space, encouraging a seamless experience for users.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of this architectural project, exploring the architectural plans and sections will provide further insights into the innovative design elements and concepts at play in the Haumanu Meditation Cabin. Detailed examinations of these architectural designs reveal the meticulous thought that has gone into every aspect of the project, highlighting its commitment to sustainable, mindful architecture.
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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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