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Circular Skylight and Shoji Screens Enhance Serenity in Timber Retreat

Author:
Andrew Glicksberg
Circular Skylight and Shoji Screens Enhance Serenity in Timber Retreat

Project in-detail

The integration of circular skylights and Shoji screens within a timber structure creates a serene environment that facilitates meditation and reflection in a forest setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular skylights allow natural light to create dynamic patterns within the space.
02
Shoji screens serve both privacy and light diffusion, enhancing tranquility.
03
Concealed storage solutions maintain an uncluttered environment essential for meditation.
04
A wooden walkway elevates visitors, minimizing the impact on the forest floor.
05
All materials are sustainably sourced, emphasizing ecological responsibility.
The Forest Grove Meditation Cabin is a thoughtfully designed architectural project that merges its functionality as a meditation space with a strong connection to its natural surroundings. Situated within a grove of trees, the cabin fosters a climate for relaxation and introspective practices, serving primarily as a retreat for individuals seeking solitude and quiet reflection.

The overall design emphasizes open spaces and unobstructed sightlines, optimizing the interaction between the indoor environment and the external landscape. Natural light is a significant design consideration, with carefully positioned openings that allow sunlight to filter through, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. This connection to nature is further enhanced through the incorporation of natural materials, specifically sustainably sourced timber, which forms the structural framework of the cabin.

Unique Design Approaches

A key aspect of the Forest Grove Meditation Cabin is its incorporation of traditional Japanese architectural elements, particularly the principles found in Japanese tea houses. This influence is reflected in the cabin's layout, promoting fluid movement and facilitating a connection with nature. The use of Shoji screens, alongside expansive glass panels, allows for the careful management of privacy and light. These design choices create a harmonious atmosphere that is conducive to meditation.

Notably, the cabin features a circular skylight designed to frame views of the sky, reinforcing the connection with the environment. The integrated altar space for processing flower oils demonstrates functional design without compromising the simplicity and serenity of the meditation space. Concealed storage solutions, cleverly integrated within the flooring, minimize clutter and maintain an uncluttered atmosphere essential for meditation.

Structural and Material Considerations

The Forest Grove Meditation Cabin employs a range of materials that complement its aesthetic and functional objectives. The use of wood as the primary structural material delivers warmth and fosters an inviting environment. Plywood is selected for flooring and roofing applications, contributing to the structural integrity while enhancing the tactile experience within the cabin. Glass is employed strategically to maximize natural lighting while maintaining the desired level of seclusion.

The thoughtful design transforms the journey from the external environment to the internal space. Visitors are guided along a wooden platform walkway, a detail that enhances accessibility while minimizing ground impact. The integration of solar-powered LED lights along the walkway provides a subtle and ambient illumination that reinforces the cabin’s connection to its surroundings, especially during evening hours.

Explore the project presentation to gain a deeper understanding of the architectural designs, plans, and sections that reveal further insights into this unique cabin. Engaging with the architectural ideas encapsulated in the Forest Grove Meditation Cabin will enhance appreciation for its functional and aesthetic contributions to contemporary architectural practices.
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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
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