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Corten Steel Cabins Emphasizing Solitude and Natural Harmony

Authors:
Young Sun, Jason Sun, Ya-chu Hsu
Corten Steel Cabins Emphasizing Solitude and Natural Harmony
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Corten steel structures create a network of cabins designed for solitary meditation, harmonizing with the natural landscape through careful integration of light and space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel enhances durability while blending with the natural environment.
02
Cabin designs focus on individual meditation to promote personal reflection.
03
Each cabin features a unique orientation for optimal light exposure.
04
Paths meander through the landscape, guiding occupants to each cabin.
05
Muted grey exteriors create a camouflaged effect within the surroundings.

The Ozolini Silent Meditation Cabins are located in a tranquil setting, designed to prioritize personal introspection and reflection. The structures take inspiration from traditional cabin designs while adapting them to modern concepts of sustainability and eco-friendliness. The project features multiple cabins that allow for solitary meditation, offering an alternative to collective environments typically found in retreat structures.

Structure and Configuration

The overall design includes four main types of cabins, each with four variations, leading to a total of 16 unique cabins. This variety enables different experiences for each user and creates a visually engaging scene within the landscape. Cabin Type I introduces light through a roof opening, while other types focus on enhancing the connection with nature, culminating in outdoor meditation areas that promote interaction with the environment.



Spatial Arrangement

The arrangement of the cabins encourages a sense of exploration. Paths start from an existing tea storage area and gradually lead users toward each cabin. As individuals make their way along these winding paths, they encounter the cabins from different angles. This promotes an engaging experience, allowing occupants to discover the cabins as hidden retreats and fostering a personal connection with the surrounding landscape.



Materiality and Aesthetic

Material choice plays a significant role in the overall design. The exterior features a limited color palette of grey tones, helping the cabins blend into their environment. This muted appearance aligns with the project's commitment to environmental harmony. Inside, there is a warmer color palette with varied textures, including wood, carpet, and corten steel. These materials create a rich atmosphere, contrasting with the exterior while enhancing the experience of meditation.



Unique Design Features

Each cabin represents individual autonomy, designed as distinct entities standing apart from one another. Windows are cleverly shaped to enhance the uniqueness of each space while providing selective views both in and out. This element encourages privacy and connection to nature simultaneously. Each cabin serves as a space for reflection and personal growth, inviting users to engage deeply with their thoughts while surrounded by the calm of the natural setting.

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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.

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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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