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Copper-Cube Cabins Embracing Rainwater and Nature for Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Joseph Crites, Lawrence Mathis, Matt Winget, Jane Wilson-crites
Copper-Cube Cabins Embracing Rainwater and Nature for Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Crafted from a copper cube and designed to collect rainwater, the harmonious meditation cabins and grotto create an immersive retreat focused on wellness and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation cabins use a copper cube structure for enhanced energy efficiency.
02
Rainwater collection from roofs supports sustainable water use.
03
Grotto features multiple wellness spaces, including a sauna and treatment rooms.
04
Design respects local vernacular architecture, integrating with the landscape.
05
Reclaimed materials reduce environmental impact and resource consumption.

The design combines meditation cabins with a meditation grotto, set among a natural landscape that encourages calm and connection. The project features a mix of small, lightweight structures and a more solid grotto, creating a balance between delicate and grounded elements. The intention is to promote a space where visitors can reflect and engage with their surroundings, facilitating both personal and communal experiences.

Meditation Cabins

The meditation cabins are simple in shape, featuring a straightforward rectangular form. A large porch greets guests, offering a space where they can transition into a meditative mindset. Inside, a climate-controlled therapy room, enclosed in a copper cube, provides views and necessary storage, enhancing the overall therapy experience. This arrangement allows for distinct areas while keeping the design unified and cohesive.

Materials and Sustainability

Sustainability is a key focus in the design, highlighted by the choice of materials. Reclaimed wood, recycled steel, recycled copper skin, bamboo, and cork are used throughout the project. These materials serve not only practical functions but also contribute to reducing environmental impact by using resources that limit new material extraction. The careful selection aligns with current practices in sustainable building design.

Meditation Grotto

The meditation grotto is located on an elevated part of the site, acting as a central space for community activities. Its roof terrace serves multiple purposes: hosting events, Tai Chi practices, and providing views of the valley. Rainwater is collected on the terrace, which can be used again, emphasizing thoughtful resource management. Inside, the grotto contains various rooms, including spaces for treatment and meditation, accommodating different wellness activities while also respecting the surrounding architecture.

Design Details

The cabin roofs include photovoltaic cells to enhance energy efficiency, and drainage systems channel rainwater to an underground cistern. These features add to a design that prioritizes not only functionality but also its connection to nature. Overall, the project encourages visitors to reflect and engage with their environment, offering a rich experience that balances community and solitude. The arrangement of spaces facilitates movement, guiding users naturally between shared and private moments.

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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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