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Copper-Clad Ceiling and Floor-to-Ceiling Windows Enhance Tranquility in Minimalist Retreat

Author:
Hui Guo
Copper-Clad Ceiling and Floor-to-Ceiling Windows Enhance Tranquility in Minimalist Retreat

Project in-detail

With a copper-clad ceiling and extensive use of antique yellow glass, this minimalist retreat seamlessly integrates natural materials and light to create a serene space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a copper ceiling that enhances acoustics and visual warmth.
02
Features floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize natural light and external views.
03
Utilizes antique yellow glass for both aesthetic appeal and light diffusion.
04
Construction includes charred wooden shingles for fire resistance and durability.
05
Designed with a pitched roof that facilitates water runoff and harmonizes with the landscape.
The Meditation Cabin is an architectural project designed as a retreat space dedicated to meditation and introspection. Situated in a tranquil woodland environment, the cabin integrates with its natural surroundings while providing users with a private area for contemplation. This architecture reflects a deep commitment to promoting mental well-being through the fusion of the built environment and nature, allowing for a seamless interaction between the user and the landscape.

The cabin serves as a sanctuary, offering an escape from the fast-paced world. Its primary function is to facilitate mindfulness practices, whether through meditation, yoga, or quiet reflection. The design emphasizes a minimalist approach, recognizing that simplicity can enhance the meditative experience. Key aspects of the architecture include a thoughtful selection of materials and a layout that promotes tranquility.

The architectural skin of the cabin features vertical wooden slats, which not only align with the natural aesthetic but also create privacy while allowing filtered light to enter. The choice of materials such as wood, glass, and copper contributes to the cabin's overall sensory experience. For instance, the wooden façade and flooring provide warmth, while the antique yellow glass enhances the connection to the surrounding forest. The use of copper in the ceiling introduces texture and visual depth, drawing the eye upward and fostering a feeling of spaciousness.

One unique feature of this project is the integration of large, floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the surrounding landscape, ensuring an unobstructed relationship between the interior and exterior. This design choice blurs the lines between inside and outside, encouraging users to engage with their environment more fully. The pitched roof design and strategic use of overhangs provide shelter while ensuring proper water drainage, demonstrating practical consideration alongside aesthetic intent.

The spatial configuration of the interior is designed to maximize comfort and calm. An open layout facilitates movement, while designated areas allow for individual meditation practices. This careful arrangement fosters a sense of safety and ease, essential for deep reflection. The copper-clad ceiling enhances acoustics and contributes to a serene indoor atmosphere.

The Meditation Cabin represents a thoughtful approach to architecture that values the connection to nature while prioritizing human experience. The project highlights the importance of materiality, spatial awareness, and environmental integration. For those interested in exploring the architectural concepts further, examining the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide deeper insights into the project's execution and intention.
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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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