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Conical Retreat of Larch and Spruce Embracing Natural Panorama

Author:
Jesko Hammersen
Conical Retreat of Larch and Spruce Embracing Natural Panorama
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A conical form crafted from larch and spruce captures natural light and expansive views, creating a serene retreat that facilitates meditation and self-reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation spaces designed to enhance sensory engagement with nature.
02
Pathway dynamics transition from wide openness to focused intimacy.
03
Conical interior room maximizes natural light through a narrow window.
04
Thin steel bases elevate the structure off the ground for moisture protection.
05
Utilizes Gravity Lights for sustainable and alternative lighting solutions.

The design features a dedicated space for meditation and self-reflection within a calm natural setting. The focus is on guiding users from an awareness of the outside world to a place of personal contemplation. The layout promotes tranquility and enhances the user's connection to the environment, making it an inviting retreat for those seeking peace and introspection.

Meditation Spaces

Two distinct meditation rooms create the heart of the design. The outside meditation area, with its wide, panoramic views, encourages users to engage with the surrounding landscape. This space allows for a rich sensory experience, immersed in the sounds of nature. In contrast, the interior room is designed to foster a more intimate atmosphere, providing a focused environment for personal reflection. The conical shape draws users in, enhancing a sense of quiet and calm.

Pathway Dynamics

The pathway linking the two meditation spaces adds to the overall experience. As users walk along this route, the pathway narrows while the ceiling height increases. This design change guides the movement and creates a feeling of shifting focus, preparing users for the transition from the communal area to a more personal space. The careful arrangement of the pathway helps support the meditative purpose at the heart of the design.

Material Selection

Material choices play a key role in shaping the retreat's character. Larch cladding covers the outer shell of the structure, allowing it to blend naturally with the forest surroundings. Inside, spruce is used for immobile components, contributing to a warm and welcoming environment. The separation of walls from the ceiling invites natural light into the interior spaces, enhancing the experience of calm during meditation.

Functional Aspects

Practical features are well integrated into the design. A small fireplace in the meditation room offers warmth during colder months, inviting users to spend more time in this reflective space. The dry toilet is accessible from both the interior and exterior, ensuring convenience while preserving privacy. These elements enhance the usability of the retreat, supporting its purpose as a place for meditation and self-discovery.

The interior meditation room includes a narrow, high window that directs the gaze toward a specific view outside. This design choice encourages users to focus inward while remaining aware of the broader landscape. The thoughtful layout promotes a balanced experience of connecting with surroundings and engaging in personal reflection.

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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

Open architecture competitions

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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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