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Concave Shell and Fixed Beds Create Serenity in a Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Yichen Zhai, Hao Chen
Concave Shell and Fixed Beds Create Serenity in a Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

The C-shaped design and concave shell of the meditation cabin reflect natural energy while providing fixed beds for a healing retreat focused on personal introspection and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
C-shaped form enhances interaction with the surrounding landscape.
02
Concave shell design reflects natural energy towards meditators.
03
Fixed massage beds provide dedicated areas for healing.
04
Operable round louver openings offer flexible indoor-outdoor access.
05
Minimalist interior facilitates deep focus and introspection.

The VALE DE MOSES Meditation Cabin is a carefully designed space that offers a peaceful environment for meditation. Located in a calm setting, it aims to provide a place for personal exploration and healing. The design accommodates a wide range of users, from those who have practiced meditation for years to complete beginners. The architecture emphasizes simplicity and seeks to connect users with the natural surroundings, enhancing their meditation experience.

Conceptual Framework
The design centers around guiding individuals through different aspects of meditation. Each space within the cabin is designed for a specific purpose, enhancing the overall experience for users. The first chamber serves as a nurturing area, featuring fixed massage beds and paintings. This space helps occupants prepare for their meditation journeys, allowing them to relax and find a sense of calm before proceeding further.

Meditation Chamber
The main meditation chamber is designed to eliminate distractions. It features a minimalistic approach, echoing the simplicity found in ancient hermit caves. This chamber has a bare shell that promotes focus and serenity. A defining feature is its circular opening, which frames the outside world. This connection with nature allows light and energy to enter the space. The form of the chamber directs this opening toward a rocky terrace, creating a direct line of sight to the distant hills and surrounding landscape.

User Experience
The cabin integrates operable round louver openings in its front façade, which serve as entry points for users. These openings allow more experienced individuals to move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces. This aspect of the design enhances the overall experience, giving practitioners the ability to adjust their surroundings while meditating. The flexibility encourages individuals to personalize their environment according to their preferences.

The VALE DE MOSES Meditation Cabin thoughtfully combines functional spaces with an aesthetic that respects nature. Each detail of the design plays a role in fostering an atmosphere conducive to healing and contemplation. The result is a space that invites individuals to engage deeply with their practices while remaining connected to the natural world around them.

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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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