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Cocooning Ash Cabins With Central Skylights in a Forest Retreat

Author:
Adrien Thivolle
Cocooning Ash Cabins With Central Skylights in a Forest Retreat

Project in-detail

Elevated above the forest floor, the cocooning cabins made of ash incorporate central skylights for natural illumination, creating a tranquil space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins are anchored to strong trees to minimize ground disturbance.
02
Circular design elements mimic the growth rings of trees.
03
Skylights connect interior spaces with the forest canopy.
04
Each cabin is delivered as a lightweight, modular kit.
05
Natural materials include ash, wool, and felt for insulation.

ASMR: A Small Meditation Retreat is a distinctive project located within a forest, designed to function as a place for meditation and relaxation. The retreat focuses on creating a connection with nature through thoughtful spatial organization and material use. The concept aims to cultivate an immersive experience that encourages mindfulness and self-reflection.

Design Concept

The design features circular shapes that mimic the growth rings of trees, forming a strong visual and conceptual link to the surrounding environment. This arrangement promotes an intimate atmosphere while allowing natural light to enter the spaces. Elevated above the forest floor, the cabins are fixed to sturdy trees, helping to reduce ground disturbance and fostering a closer relationship with nature.



Modular Structure

A key aspect of the project is its lightweight modular design. The cabins are packaged as kits that can be easily assembled by a small team. This simplicity in construction aligns with sustainable practices, aiming to limit waste and minimize environmental impact. Each cabin is built for functionality, balancing the needs of occupants with the integrity of the overall structure.



Interior Layout

Inside the cabins, a circular layout maximizes both openness and light. A central skylight draws natural illumination into the space, creating a connection with the tree canopy outside. The interior is arranged to include essential amenities, such as a kitchenette, a small desk, and a dry toilet. A ladder leads up to a sleeping area, making efficient use of vertical space and enhancing the overall design.



Material Selection

Natural materials are important in creating a warm and inviting environment. Ash wood is utilized for many interior elements, while wool and felt provide comfort and insulation. These materials are chosen not only for their practical benefits, but also for their ability to blend with the natural setting, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainability.



The south-facing facade features large windows that offer extensive views of the forest. This design choice allows occupants to engage fully with the landscape while benefiting from passive solar heating. Such details enhance the overall experience of the retreat, encouraging individuals to immerse themselves in nature and cultivate a sense of peace.

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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
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