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Diamond-Shaped Glass and Plywood Retreat in the Forest

Authors:
Yuxin Wang, Danni Lyu
Diamond-Shaped Glass and Plywood Retreat in the Forest

Project in-detail

Crafted with a diamond-shaped glass facade and a plywood structure, this cabin integrates with its forest environment to provide a focused sanctuary for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Diamond-shaped glass windows optimize light while preserving privacy.
02
The structure is elevated, allowing for heating systems beneath.
03
Plywood is used for lightweight, durable construction.
04
An altar for flower essences enhances the meditative experience.
05
Staggered window placements promote natural ventilation.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is located in a tranquil forest setting, designed to serve as a place for reflection and mindfulness. The building encourages visitors to take a break from their busy lives and embrace the peace of nature. Its architecture reflects natural shapes and materials, allowing the cabin to fit well within the landscape.

Design Concept

The design focuses on foot access, which means visitors must walk to reach the cabin. This design choice fosters a deeper connection to the surrounding forest. Inspired by organic forms, the cabin aims to create a calming atmosphere. It is a space meant for meditation and personal reflection, providing an escape from everyday distractions.

Structural Elements

The building features a diamond-shaped wooden frame that supports its structure while also adding to its visual appeal. This frame enhances the play of light and shadow throughout the day, creating a dynamic interior. The facade combines wood panels and diamond-shaped glass. This combination allows for beautiful views while maintaining privacy for users.

Interior Layout

Inside, the main meditation area is positioned on the ground floor. There is also a small altar for flower essences located on the northeast side. The layout includes a mezzanine space for relaxation, making it easy for users to find their preferred spots for quiet time. This design encourages a natural flow between the different areas.

Natural Integration

Several outdoor platforms connect to the cabin, promoting an intimate relationship with the forest. These spaces invite users to step outside and engage with nature, enhancing the meditative experience. The building is elevated to accommodate heating systems beneath. This thoughtful design choice ensures comfort in different weather conditions, while also offering clear views of the surrounding nature.

Plywood is the primary material used in construction, chosen for its light weight and durability. It allows for efficient prefabrication, with all components designed to fit together seamlessly. Each element in the cabin contributes to an inviting space for contemplation, encouraging visitors to find peace in the beauty of their natural surroundings.

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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

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