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Curved Roof Retreat with Timber Panels and a Natural Landscape Connection

Authors:
Karol Wojtas, Mickael Minghetti
Curved Roof Retreat with Timber Panels and a Natural Landscape Connection

Project in-detail

The cabin's curved roof and timber panels create a harmonious retreat that invites meditation while blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin is partially submerged into the ground to enhance its connection to nature.
02
A circular courtyard at the center provides natural light and promotes reflection.
03
Inclined timber beams form a unique curved roof structure.
04
The exterior features timber panels that visually integrate with the forest.
05
Openable windows ensure optimal ventilation and a comfortable atmosphere.

Wooden Crown is a cabin designed for meditation, aimed at exploring the relationship between body and mind. Set within a forested area, it provides a distinct space for both daily living and reflection. The design thoughtfully separates the two functions while ensuring they complement each other. The overall concept emphasizes a connection to nature, creating an atmosphere conducive to tranquility.

Spatial Configuration

The cabin features two main areas: one focused on physical needs and the other dedicated to meditation. The physical space is open and inviting, outlined by angular lines that match the trees surrounding it. This area includes necessary amenities such as a kitchen, sleeping areas, and bathrooms. The arrangement promotes ease of movement while drawing attention to the natural setting outside.

Meditative Retreat

In contrast to the living area, the meditation zone is designed to be peaceful and calming. With a curved roof and a round courtyard at its center, this space allows plenty of natural light to pour in. Such a design creates a serene environment perfect for reflection. The smooth curves provide a gentle contrast to the sharper lines of the physical space, enhancing the overall experience of the cabin.

Structural Elements

Concrete serves as the foundation, providing stability. The main structure is framed with timber, which forms the unique curvature of the roof. Light wooden beams slant at thirty degrees, adding to the building's character. On the exterior, timber panels create a visual link to the surrounding forest, blending the structure into its environment. This choice of materials supports a sustainable approach, with attention to local resources.

Integration with Nature

The positioning of the cabin highlights its connection with the landscape. It has been partly placed into the ground, emphasizing its bond with the earth. A circular window-sill wraps around the cabin, creating a smooth transition between the interior and the outdoors. Openable windows and doors promote natural airflow, enhancing comfort. These design features contribute to an inviting atmosphere, encouraging users to engage fully with the peaceful surroundings.

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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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