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Dark Wood Retreat with Flowing Water for Mindfulness

Author:
Luis Daniel garcia
Dark Wood Retreat with Flowing Water for Mindfulness

Project in-detail

The integration of dark wood joinery and a soft water feature creates a calming environment that enhances the experience of mindfulness and meditation in this small retreat designed for personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dark wood joinery enhances thermal efficiency and visual warmth.
02
A water feature surrounds the cabin, providing a natural soundscape for meditation.
03
Large windows offer uninterrupted views of the landscape, fostering a connection to nature.
04
The partition-style entrance ensures privacy while transitioning into the meditation area.
05
Designed specifically for individual mindfulness and personal reflection.

The Cabin of Modern Meditation offers a thoughtful space designed to foster relaxation and a connection with nature. Surrounded by a tranquil environment, it serves as a retreat for those looking to escape the pressures of everyday life. The design aims to create an atmosphere that encourages calm, reflection, and mindfulness, inspiring users to step back from the demands of modern living.

Design Layout

The layout features a partition-style entrance that clearly separates the public and private areas within the cabin. This separation aids in transitioning into a peaceful environment tailored for meditation and personal reflection. The private meditation area is enhanced by a well-placed window, allowing natural light to fill the space and providing views of the surrounding landscape, which helps to forge a connection with the outside world.

Natural Elements

A significant aspect of the design is the inclusion of a soft water feature that wraps around the perimeter of the cabin. This element creates a soothing atmosphere with gentle sounds that enhance the experience within. The flowing water adds to the calmness of the space, making it an ideal setting for meditation and mindfulness practices.

Material Use

Throughout the cabin, traditional dark wood joinery is used to create warmth and a sense of comfort. This choice of material contrasts nicely with the expansive views of the sky visible through the large windows. The natural wood reinforces the connection to the environment outside and adds a timeless quality to the space. The materials work together to create an inviting atmosphere that feels both familiar and grounded.

Design Experience

The Cabin of Modern Meditation goes beyond simply providing shelter; it is a space designed for personal renewal and introspection. Every element, from the arrangement of spaces to the sound of flowing water, is crafted to support a calming experience. Attention to detail in light, sound, and materials creates an environment that encourages individuals to engage deeply with their surroundings.

The large windows allow abundant sunlight to enter, while the sound of water adds to the overall tranquility. Together, these features define a unique space where users can take a step back, focus on themselves, and find peace in the moment.

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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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