Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Core Design with Prefabricated Wood and White Canvas for Mindful Retreat

Authors:
Tuan Mai, Han Dang
Core Design with Prefabricated Wood and White Canvas for Mindful Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating a core design with prefabricated wood and a white canvas facade, the retreat offers a serene environment for meditation and self-reflection, fostering a strong connection between users and their natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a Square Twist Pattern to enhance spatial flow.
02
A central core houses essential systems, optimizing functionality.
03
Local wood used throughout emphasizes connection to the environment.
04
Flexible spaces promote different forms of meditation and mindfulness.
05
The cabin mimics the form of a pine tree, blending with its surroundings.

The MindFOLDness design is situated in a peaceful natural environment, created as a retreat focused on meditation and self-reflection. The cabin aims to promote mindfulness and calmness, incorporating elements inspired by Zen philosophy. The design uses the concept of Origami Meditation, translating the gentle art of folding into an architectural space that encourages users to connect deeply with their surroundings.

Design Concept

At the heart of the design is the idea of being fully present in each moment. The layout is divided into specific zones for walking and sitting meditation, allowing flexibility for various practices. Four main programs—Free, Fresh, Charge, and Sense—have been developed to cater to different facets of mental and physical wellness. These areas facilitate a personalized and meaningful experience for visitors.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of the cabin is intentional, encouraging smooth movement between different meditative activities. The form of the structure resembles a pine tree, creating a visual link with the natural landscape. This relationship with nature is not just about how the cabin looks; it also invites users to connect with the environment in a more profound way. The Square Twist Pattern used in the deck design reflects the theme of origami, tying the visual elements together.

Materials and Structure

The construction relies on a prefabricated wood framework, balancing strength and ease of assembly. Local wood is utilized to firmly ground the cabin within its context. Features such as a fabric zip door provide adaptability to the space. White canvas fabric used throughout contributes to a light and spacious interior, allowing natural light to flow in and fostering a sense of tranquility.

Design Details

The core of the cabin includes essential systems that support the activities in each meditation zone. This careful layout helps move users easily from one area to another. Design details encourage reflection, making the environment thoughtful and engaging. The interplay of light and shadow within the cabin fosters a mindful atmosphere, inviting users to immerse themselves in an experience of calm and contemplation.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy