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Cork Insulated Retreat With Timber Frames in a Natural Bush Clearing

Authors:
Martina Bazzoni, Mia Tsujimura hjaere
Cork Insulated Retreat With Timber Frames in a Natural Bush Clearing

Project in-detail

Constructed with timber frames and cork insulation, the meditation cabin is situated in a natural bush clearing, providing a tranquil space for individual and group practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built using locally sourced timber, minimizing transportation impact.
02
Cork insulation aligns with sustainable building practices.
03
Features an outdoor area for flower essence preparation.
04
Curved beams integrate with the natural landscape design.
05
Seats four guests, promoting intimate group meditation sessions.

The meditation cabin at Earth Energies Sanctuary is designed to blend with its natural environment. It sits in a quiet clearing among native trees and is located downhill from the main residence. The cabin serves as a space for small groups to practice meditation and connect with nature. The design focuses on harmony with the landscape, creating a peaceful atmosphere ideal for reflection.

Integration with the Landscape

The cabin’s shape reflects the gentle curves of the nearby hills. This connection to the landscape enhances the visual flow of the surroundings. The placement of the cabin within the clearing offers privacy while allowing nature to be an integral part of the experience.

Functional Layout

Inside the cabin, there is space for four guests and a teacher, supporting different styles of meditation. The design accommodates various arrangements, whether people prefer to sit or lie down during sessions. The cabin also provides an outdoor area for meditation and for preparing flower essences, inviting users to enjoy the fresh air and surrounding scenery.

Material Choices

Sustainability is important in the choice of materials for the cabin. Timber is used for both structure and finish, ensuring that the cabin feels connected to its natural location. Cork serves as insulation while supporting eco-friendly practices. The thatched roof adds character and helps protect against the weather.

Construction Methodology

The approach to building the cabin emphasizes efficiency and simplicity. Materials are sourced locally, which reduces transportation impacts. The structure consists of two frames made from straight and curved beams. This design not only provides strength but also contributes to the overall look and feel of the cabin.

The wooden altar for flower essence preparation includes carefully designed indents for bowls, allowing for both indoor and outdoor use. This detail enhances the usability of the cabin, making it a well-thought-out space for meditation and connection with nature.

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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
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