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Curved Wooden Sanctuary With Translucent Glazing for Meditative Retreat

Authors:
Eduardo Acevedo, Irina Salas
Curved Wooden Sanctuary With Translucent Glazing for Meditative Retreat

Project in-detail

A curved wooden wall creates an intimate meditation space illuminated by natural light filtering through expansive glazing, offering a tranquil retreat designed for reflection and mindfulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved wooden wall enhances intimacy in the meditation area.
02
Expansive glazing blurs boundaries between interior and nature.
03
Treated wood exterior promotes durability against weather elements.
04
Interior spaces use birch veneer plywood for a calming effect.
05
Design creates distinct zones for both solitude and connection.

The Duality Cabin introduces a modern approach that embraces the idea of duality, focusing on balance between different elements in its design. Located in a natural setting, the cabin functions as a space for meditation and self-reflection. The overall design connects deeply with the surrounding landscape, inviting residents to appreciate the simplicity of the environment while considering the dual aspects of life.

Design Concept

Incorporating the yin-yang philosophy, the design delves into the relationship between light and darkness, as well as between active and passive states. This concept shapes the architectural elements, offering visitors a chance to explore various dimensions of their experience. The cabin presents a clear and straightforward geometry, avoiding unnecessary details, which emphasizes its purpose and functionality.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout of the cabin promotes natural movement between open and enclosed areas. A curved wall serves as a welcoming entrance, guiding visitors into the main room while setting the tone for their experience. The design creates distinct zones that facilitate both interaction and solitude. The extensive glass wall allows natural light to filter into the space, effectively merging the indoor environment with the outdoors and fostering a sense of connection with nature.

Materiality

Materials are thoughtfully chosen to complement the cabin’s aesthetic and usability. The exterior is finished with treated wood, which enhances durability and establishes a relational bond with the environment. Inside, birch veneer plywood is used to create a warm and calming atmosphere. The materials work together to support the design's focus on minimalism and peace, contributing to the cabin’s overall meditative quality.

Aesthetic Detail

Key design features highlight the exploration of duality throughout the cabin. The curved wooden wall creates an intimate meditation space, contrasting with the transparent glass wall. This contrast between solid and fragile elements creates an engaging dialogue, inviting occupants to experience both the enclosure and openness of the space. Light plays an important role here, as it filters through the glass, casting gentle shadows and enhancing the natural textures of the wood, deepening the sensory experience within the cabin.

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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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