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Cylindrical Meditation Spaces Crafted from Concrete and Natural Wood in a Tranquil Retreat

Author:
Filip Chojnacki
Cylindrical Meditation Spaces Crafted from Concrete and Natural Wood in a Tranquil Retreat

Project in-detail

Elevated living shelters and a cylindrical meditation building, crafted from concrete and natural wood, create a tranquil retreat that invites introspection and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project includes five elevated living shelters designed to enhance engagement with the surrounding landscape.
02
A cylindrical meditation building features circular openings that control light and promote a contemplative atmosphere.
03
Concrete and natural wood were deliberately chosen to create a tactile contrast while ensuring structural integrity.
04
The design encourages participants to kneel when entering the meditation space, fostering humility and focus.
05
Pathways are strategically placed to encourage exploration and connection between the interior and natural environment.
The architectural project at hand represents a meditation and living complex designed to foster an environment of introspection and tranquility. Nestled within a serene rural landscape, the project effectively integrates itself into the surrounding natural terrain while providing spaces that promote spiritual practices and personal reflection. The intent of the architecture is to create a harmonious relationship between the built environment and nature, facilitating both solitude and community among its users.

The primary function of the project is to serve as a retreat for meditation, yoga, and various other activities centered around personal growth and rejuvenation. Central to the design is a multifaceted main building, which acts as a welcoming hub housing facilities such as a kitchen, yoga studios, and restrooms. The design of the main structure elegantly combines glass and stone, allowing for abundant natural light while establishing visual transparency that connects the interior spaces with the idyllic outdoor scenery.

Surrounding the main building are five smaller living shelters, each designed to rise 2.5 meters above the ground. This elevated construction not only creates a sense of levity but also encourages occupants to engage deeply with the natural surroundings. Constructed primarily from concrete and untreated black wood, the shelters maintain a minimalist aesthetic while mirroring the materiality of the main building. The deliberate choice of materials fosters a seamless integration with the natural environment, as the structures appear to float above the landscape, enhancing the experience of solitude that visitors seek.

A significant highlight of this architectural project is the meditation building, which takes on a cylindrical form characterized by circular openings that modify light and views within. The design emphasizes a purposeful interaction with its users, requiring individuals to kneel during entry, a choice that promotes a sense of humility and concentration. The use of durable concrete enhances the structure's longevity while also contributing to a raw and organic feel that resonates with the overarching theme of “building with nature.”

Unique design approaches are woven throughout the project, such as the careful consideration of visual hierarchy and spatial orientation that promotes interactions between the structures and their occupants. The architectural designs include strategically placed windows and openings that frame picturesque views of the landscape, allowing inhabitants to engage with the environment both visually and physically. The overall layout of the complex creates pathways that encourage exploration and contemplation, enhancing the user experience without sacrificing the sense of seclusion.

Moreover, the incorporation of a transitional space, or porte-fenetre, extending from the main structure is notable. This feature successfully blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, allowing for fluid movement while organizing activities like yoga. The architectural plans emphasize this flow, facilitating an engaging experience where one can move seamlessly between the built environment and the lush landscape.

This architectural project invites a deeper exploration of its innovative ideas through architectural sections, designs, and comprehensive plans. Engaging with these elements provides further insights into the architect's vision and the intricate details that contribute to the project's overall aesthetic and functional outcomes. For those interested in understanding the synergies created by this architecture amidst its natural setting, it is recommended to delve into the project presentation, where one can uncover the thought processes and architectural design strategies that define this tranquil living and meditation complex.
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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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