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Curved Sound Bath Constructed with Locally-Sourced Timber and Translucent Panels for Enhanced Connection to Nature

Authors:
Simon Rucinski, Fajr Najib
Curved Sound Bath Constructed with Locally-Sourced Timber and Translucent Panels for Enhanced Connection to Nature

Project in-detail

Crafted from locally-sourced timber and designed with translucent panels, the architectural retreat blends seamlessly into the forest, offering a serene sanctuary for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with locally-sourced, cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced sustainability.
02
Translucent materials are used to maximize natural light while maintaining privacy.
03
Curved architectural form seamlessly integrates with the surrounding forest environment.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and a distinctive aesthetic.
05
Acoustic optimization within the sound bath creates an immersive auditory experience.
The architectural project under analysis offers a thoughtful exploration of wellness through the design of specialized facilities termed Meditative Baths. This project seeks to create serene spaces that promote relaxation and mindfulness within a natural setting. Situated in a tranquil, wooded environment, the design emphasizes a harmonious relationship between the architecture and its surroundings, inviting users to experience a deeper connection to nature. The Meditative Baths serve as a sanctuary where visitors can engage in restorative practices, enhancing both mental and physical well-being.

The primary function of this project revolves around providing spaces that facilitate various forms of meditation and relaxation, utilizing water as a central element. This design concept emphasizes the importance of sensory experiences in fostering inner peace. Each bath is tailored to offer a unique experience. For example, the Sound Bath focuses on acoustic quality, allowing users to immerse themselves in sound vibrations that promote relaxation. The carefully designed interior includes a vaulted ceiling that enhances sound distribution, creating an enveloping auditory experience that encourages contemplation.

Another key component is the Light Bath, designed to optimize the natural light that filters into the space. Utilizing translucent materials, this structure allows for gentle illumination that enhances the ambiance and promotes a sense of calm. The play of light within this bath creates a dynamic environment where visitors can engage in various activities, from meditation to quiet reflection. The integration of wood as a primary material throughout the baths not only offers visual warmth but also serves a functional purpose, providing structural support while blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

In considering the materials used, wood stands out as a critical element across all structures. Its natural properties align with the project's ethos of merging architecture with the environment, promoting sustainability and a sense of place. Furthermore, the use of glass and acoustic panels in the Sound Bath and Light Bath respectively highlights an innovative approach to enhancing sensory experiences. The architecture effectively utilizes both visual and auditory elements, creating spaces that are not just physically comforting but also emotionally resonant.

The unique design strategies implemented in this project reflect a commitment to prioritizing human experience within architectural practice. By placing individuals at the center of the design process, the architects have created facilities that cater to both psychological and physiological needs. The careful alignment of each bath within the natural topography emphasizes the project's intention to respect and enhance the existing landscape, promoting an ethos of care for the environment.

Moreover, the arrangement of the facilities encourages a journey through the site, leading visitors through a series of experiences that reflect the broader themes of connection and introspection. This thoughtful circulation fosters a sense of exploration and discovery, inviting users to engage more deeply with both the architecture and their own personal states of mind. As a result, the architectural design transcends mere functionality, becoming a catalyst for individual growth and serenity.

Those interested in exploring the finer details of this architectural project are encouraged to review the architectural plans and sections, which provide further insights into the innovative design strategies employed. Engaging with these elements will offer a comprehensive understanding of how the Meditative Baths blend functionality with a profound respect for nature, encapsulating the principles of restorative architecture. For a thorough insight into the project and its unique attributes, interested readers can delve deeper into the architectural designs and ideas that define this remarkable undertaking.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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