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Earthbag Cabin Emphasizing Karmayoga for Silent Meditation

Authors:
Mohak Gupta, Varun Mann
Earthbag Cabin Emphasizing Karmayoga for Silent Meditation

Project in-detail

Constructed using earthbags, this cabin integrates an interactive wall and emphasizes Karmayoga principles to create a dedicated space for silent meditation within a forest environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed exclusively with earthbags, enhancing thermal efficiency and sustainability.
02
Includes a dedicated interactive wall for user contributions and communal sharing of experiences.
03
Emphasizes Karmayoga principles, encouraging simplicity and self-sufficiency in daily practices.
04
Designed to create a quiet environment, prioritizing silence for meditation and reflection.
05
Features large glass surfaces that connect the interior with the surrounding forest landscape.

The design focuses on a cabin for silent meditation in a peaceful forest. This retreat is meant to encourage self-reflection and a deep connection to nature. The overall concept emphasizes simplicity and utility, creating an environment that supports mindfulness and personal insight.

Materials and Construction

Earthbags are used in the building’s construction, employing local soil to improve thermal performance and provide structural strength. This choice not only helps minimize energy use but also reinforces the tie between the cabin and its natural surroundings. The earthbags act as an insulator, keeping the interior temperatures comfortable while allowing the structure to blend into the forest setting.

Spatial Organization

The cabin's layout is designed for both practical daily use and spaces for quiet thought. A central area accommodates cooking and other activities while also allowing for spots dedicated to meditation. The design encourages a lifestyle rooted in simplicity and mindful practices, aligning with the actions of daily living that enhance self-awareness.

Community Interaction

The cabin features an interactive wall that invites users to share their experiences. Occupants can write, draw, or leave notes, creating a space for collective sharing. This wall acts as a living archive of thoughts and discoveries, connecting visitors and reflecting the dynamic purpose of the cabin as a space for both solitude and community.

Large glass windows integrate well with the design, allowing sunlight to fill the interior and providing views of the surrounding trees. This connection to the outdoors fosters a sense of belonging and enhances the experience of being in nature throughout the changing seasons.

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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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