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Concrete Undercroft with Tensile Fabric Canopy for Meditative Reflection

Authors:
Nick Safley, Cait Cashner
Concrete Undercroft with Tensile Fabric Canopy for Meditative Reflection

Project in-detail

The integration of a site cast concrete underbelly with a tensile fabric canopy creates a unique meditation space that invites both introspection and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wabinat integrates a unique site cast concrete underbelly that provides structural support and tactile comfort.
02
The design features a tensile fabric canopy that filters light while maintaining a sheltered environment.
03
A distinct tail extension creates an outdoor social space connected to the private quarters.
04
The architectural form draws inspiration from natural elements like rock and tent, promoting a reflective experience.
05
Interior spaces incorporate natural light to enhance the meditative qualities of the environment.

Wabinat is a meditative retreat situated in a serene natural environment, designed to promote introspection. The structure invites individuals to connect with their surroundings while engaging in meditation. The concept revolves around enhancing sensory experiences, allowing users to immerse themselves in their practices. The building's form takes inspiration from elements like rock, tent, and animal, creating a unique interaction with the landscape.

Structure and Form

The design of Wabinat disrupts traditional building ideas, encouraging deep contemplation. The varied shapes invite users to rethink their experiences and relationship with the natural world. It blends different forms, offering a sense of movement while maintaining tranquility. This innovative approach highlights a dynamic relationship between the inhabitants and their environment.

Interior Elements

Inside, the cabin features an exposed site cast concrete underbelly that serves as both a foundation and a design element. The concrete adds not only strength but also comfort, providing a tactile backrest. Its rough texture connects users directly to the earth, creating a feeling of safety that is vital for meditation. Natural light spills into the space, brightening the interior and enhancing users' connection to their surroundings.

Tensile Canopy Design

A key feature is the tensile fabric canopy, which presents a minimal surface that contributes to the overall look of the structure. The canopy is designed in segments, allowing it to match the natural environment. It filters light while providing shelter, enriching the experience for those who occupy the space below. The canopy not only serves a practical function but also adds a layer of design complexity.

Exterior Spaces

The tail of Wabinat extends the usable area, creating an outside space for social interaction while preserving privacy within the cabin. This allows for community engagement alongside personal reflection. By offering both private and communal spaces, the design supports various ways to engage with meditation, enriching the overall user experience.

In conclusion, Wabinat interacts with its natural surroundings through a distinctive form that encourages reflection and connection with nature. Its thoughtful design enhances the experience of meditation, showcasing a harmonious blend of architecture and the environment.

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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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