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Elevated Canopy Pavilion Crafted from Marine Plywood and Steel

Author:
Kellen Thayer
Elevated Canopy Pavilion Crafted from Marine Plywood and Steel

Project in-detail

Crafted from marine plywood and elevated within a tree canopy, the pavilion serves as a dedicated space for meditation, enhancing the connection between users and their natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Made entirely of marine plywood, enhancing durability and weather resistance.
02
Elevated structure provides unique views from the tree canopy level.
03
Operable windows allow for natural ventilation and framed views of nature.
04
Includes two altars for essential oil processing, enriching the meditative experience.
05
Designed to foster individual contemplation while promoting community connection.

The meditation pavilion connects with the natural landscape, providing a quiet space designed for individual reflection and mindfulness. Inspired by the principles of the Brahmavihara—Lovingkindness, Compassion, Appreciative Joy, and Equanimity—the design creates not only a functional area for meditation but also captures the spirit of these ideals. Elevated above the ground, the pavilion allows users to engage with the environment, enhancing their experience of nature while promoting a sense of peace.

Structural Integrity

The pavilion features a framework made of steel posts and concrete piles, ensuring it remains sturdy while avoiding a heavy appearance. Galvanized steel cross bracing reinforces the structure, allowing for a slender profile that blends into its surroundings. This approach maintains the pavilion's elegance without obstructing the views of nearby trees.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the design includes four meditation terminals, each carefully arranged to support personal contemplation. There are also two altars for processing and diffusing essential oils, adding sensory elements to the meditative experience. The layout encourages users to engage individually while being part of a broader, communal atmosphere, allowing for both solitude and connection with others.

Material Considerations

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability. Marine-grade plywood serves both the exterior and interior finishes, offering durability against weather while ensuring visual consistency. Three coats of water-based polyurethane protect the surfaces and minimize harm to the environment. This careful selection of materials emphasizes the intention behind the pavilion, aiming for both longevity and environmental responsibility.

Natural Integration

The design includes operable windows on every facade, framing the surrounding nature and inviting fresh air. This not only enhances comfort but also allows users to feel as though they are part of the tree canopy. By connecting the interior space with the landscape outside, the pavilion reinforces its purpose as a setting for meditation and quiet reflection.

Within the pavilion, a balance exists between simplicity and purpose. It offers a tranquil space for contemplation, deeply honoring the principles that inspired its creation while allowing individuals to connect with the world around them.

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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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