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Elevated Cabins Crafted from Galvanized Steel and Natural Wood for Mindful Retreats

Authors:
Francisco javier Fernández garcía, Carlos Montes gonzález
Elevated Cabins Crafted from Galvanized Steel and Natural Wood for Mindful Retreats

Project in-detail

Crafted with galvanized steel and warm natural wood, these elevated cabins create a tranquil retreat that harmonizes with the surrounding forest, offering a unique space for mindful meditation and community connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins are elevated on slender supports, minimizing land disturbance and enhancing interaction with the natural landscape.
02
The use of galvanized steel in the structure provides durability while seamlessly blending with natural wood elements.
03
An open-source design approach encourages community engagement, allowing users to adapt and personalize their spaces.
04
All materials are sourced locally, promoting sustainability and reducing the project’s carbon footprint.
05
The design incorporates passive ventilation strategies, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year.
The Open-Source Meditation Cabins project embodies a thoughtful exploration of architecture that prioritizes user experience, sustainability, and community interaction. Situated amidst a serene natural environment of trees and open skies, the project offers spaces designed specifically for meditation practices while fostering a sense of togetherness among its users. The intent behind this architectural endeavor is to create a refuge that caters not only to individual needs but also encourages communal relationships, emphasizing the harmony between built and natural environments.

Functionally, the design comprises clusters of cabins that provide private spaces for meditation as well as communal areas for social interaction. This dual approach allows users to experience solitude and introspection, while also promoting social well-being within the community. Each cabin is uniquely tailored to maintain a balance between privacy and openness, effectively allowing users to engage with their surroundings without feeling isolated.

A prominent feature of this project is its use of sustainable and locally sourced materials, which include galvanized steel, plywood, and natural wood finishes. The careful selection of these materials emphasizes durability while also enhancing the visual warmth of the cabins. For example, galvanized steel is employed to construct the main structural elements, providing strength and resilience, whereas the use of wood materials creates an inviting and comforting atmosphere inside the meditation spaces. The design also incorporates thermal glazing, which optimizes energy efficiency by allowing natural light to fill the interiors while minimizing heat loss.

A unique characteristic of this project is its open-source philosophy. This approach allows community members to contribute to the design, enabling the cabins to evolve according to specific user needs and preferences. The flexibility inherent in the architectural design means that the cabins can be modified or reconfigured, accommodating various activities while maintaining an engaging environment. This adaptability is seamlessly integrated into the overall design strategy, making it easier for the architecture to harmonize with the changing requirements of the users.

The spatial organization of the cabins reflects a careful consideration of the natural site. Elevated on slender supports, the structures reduce the impact on the landscape, allowing flora and fauna to thrive beneath. This design technique also enhances the sensory connection to nature, providing users with elevated vistas and improved air circulation. Vegetated areas surrounding the cabins act as buffer zones, reinforcing the tranquility of the setting while encouraging leisurely exploration of the environment.

In terms of user experience, the interiors are designed to highlight a sense of lightness and connectivity. Large windows and strategic openings showcase natural views, fostering an immersive experience within the landscape. The use of fabric curtains allows for a degree of spatial manipulation, giving users control over privacy and light levels. This attention to detail contributes to an overall ambiance conducive to mindfulness and relaxation.

Furthermore, this project prioritizes energy efficiency through the incorporation of renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels. This commitment to sustainability not only reduces operational costs but also reinforces the connection between architecture and environmental stewardship. By integrating design strategies that emphasize energy conservation and ecological consideration, the cabins serve as examples of responsible architectural practices.

The Open-Source Meditation Cabins project ultimately represents a holistic approach to architecture that intertwines people with nature through mindful design and community engagement. The unique blend of adaptability, functional zones, and sustainable materials addresses both individual and collective needs, fostering a vibrant community centered around meditation and connection. For those interested in a deeper understanding of the project, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and design details will reveal how these elements work together to create an enriching environment. Explore the project's presentation to gain a more comprehensive insight into the innovative ideas and architectural designs that define this engaging initiative.
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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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