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Cylindrical Retreat Crafted From Local Timber With Expansive Skylight For Natural Illumination

Authors:
Florian glenn david Reisacher, Johannes Düber
Cylindrical Retreat Crafted From Local Timber With Expansive Skylight For Natural Illumination

Project in-detail

A cylindrical structure of local timber merges seamlessly with the forest landscape, enhanced by a central skylight that floods the meditation space with natural light, creating a tranquil retreat for introspection and mindfulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin features a unique cylindrical shape that enhances the feeling of security while providing an expansive interior space.
02
It utilizes cross-laminated timber panels, ensuring structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles are applied for durability, creating a visually appealing and weather-resistant exterior.
04
A central skylight allows for natural illumination, promoting a deep connection with the surrounding forest.
05
The design intentionally integrates with the landscape, emphasizing a harmonious relationship between the built environment and nature.
The Merge Meditation Cabin is an architectural project designed to create a serene environment conducive to meditation and self-reflection, nestled within the tranquil forests of Latvia. This cabin represents a thoughtful intersection of human needs for both shelter and connection to nature. Designed with a focus on mindfulness and retreat, it serves as a small sanctuary where individuals can escape the complexities of modern life and find solace in their surroundings.

The primary function of the Merge Meditation Cabin is to facilitate a space for meditation, relaxation, and personal introspection. This focus is established through careful spatial organization, creating zones that resonate with tranquility. The cabin features a central meditation space, inviting users to engage in practices that promote mental clarity and emotional well-being. Surrounding this core are essential amenities, such as a small kitchen and a bathroom, allowing inhabitants to remain comfortable during their stay without detracting from the cabin's overall meditation purpose.

Architecturally, the Merge Meditation Cabin is characterized by its unique cylindrical form, which reflects an innovative design approach. This form is not only visually appealing but also functionally significant, creating a sense of security and belonging. The circular area at the center is deliberately designed to promote mindfulness, featuring a skylight that connects inhabitants to the changing dynamics of the sky and natural light throughout the day. This clever integration of natural elements reinforces the cabin's purpose of promoting reflection and reconnection.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the design of the Merge Meditation Cabin. The selection of materials emphasizes sustainability and aesthetic harmony with the natural environment. Predominantly constructed from wood, the cabin exhibits a warm and inviting atmosphere while ensuring it remains a lightweight structure suited to its forested location. The use of timber framing provides not just structural integrity but also a tactile quality that enhances the user experience. Complementary materials, including roofing shingles and glass, are incorporated thoughtfully to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The design also addresses environmental considerations, making sustainability a core focus. The cabin is energy self-sufficient, featuring a fireplace as a central element in the space. This not only provides warmth but serves as a gathering point within the cabin. The architectural decisions made within the project reflect an understanding of local weather patterns, ensuring resilience while keeping the cabin integrated into its lush surroundings. The strategic placement of large windows allows for expansive views of the natural landscape, reinforcing the relationship between the interior space and the exterior environment.

Unique design approaches within the Merge Meditation Cabin include its architectural form and how those structures react to their environment. The balance achieved between openness and safety is notable, providing users with a sense of shelter while still encouraging a direct connection to nature. Throughout the space, the thoughtful integration of light, views, and materials creates an environment designed specifically for meditation and reflection, making it a distinctive contribution to contemporary architectural discourse.

For those interested in extensive details about this project, including architectural plans, sections, and design concepts, it is encouraged to explore the presentation of the Merge Meditation Cabin further to gain deeper insights into its unique architectural ideas. The careful consideration of function, materiality, and the surrounding context underscore how this project stands as a meaningful affirmation of simplicity and nature in architectural design.
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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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