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Elevated Meditation Retreat Crafted From Recycled Wood and Local Quarry Stone

Authors:
Jordan Prasad, John Golena, Regan Aldrin
Elevated Meditation Retreat Crafted From Recycled Wood and Local Quarry Stone

Project in-detail

Constructed with recycled wooden pallets and local quarry stone, this elevated meditation retreat fosters a deep connection to the surrounding landscape, providing a tranquil space for mindfulness and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with reclaimed wooden pallets, enhancing sustainability.
02
Elevated on stilts to minimize environmental impact and provide scenic views.
03
Features a bent A-frame design, optimizing natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrates local quarry stone for durable and context-sensitive flooring.
05
Designed to encourage a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The Rangi-Marie meditation cabin is an architectural project situated in the natural landscape of New Zealand. This design emphasizes the importance of tranquility and connection to nature for mental well-being. The cabin serves as a retreat designed specifically for meditation and reflection, aligning both functional and aesthetic elements to create a cohesive space that invites introspection.

The structure features an elevated form that minimizes land disturbance, integrating it harmoniously with the environment. A gabled roof, reminiscent of traditional Māori architecture, enhances the building's silhouette while facilitating natural light and ventilation. The materials selected for this project, including recycled wooden pallets and local quarry stone, reflect a commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness. Together, these elements create a serene atmosphere conducive to meditation.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the standout features of the Rangi-Marie cabin is its use of elevation through stilts, which provides a sense of separation from the ground while preserving the ecological integrity of the site. This design choice not only reduces the building's footprint but also enhances the occupants' experience of being surrounded by nature.

The incorporation of recycled materials, such as wooden pallets for the exterior facade, demonstrates a pragmatic approach to sustainability. These materials are used not only for their ecological advantages but also for their aesthetic capabilities, allowing for dynamic shadow play across the building's surface. Additionally, the use of double-glazed insulated glass panels optimizes energy efficiency while maximizing daylight within the meditation spaces.

Interior Elements and Functionality

The interior layout is carefully designed to include a dedicated meditation room and an essence room, fostering tranquility and focus. The choice of local quarry stone for flooring adds a tactile quality essential for comfort and durability. The design maximizes natural light exposure in the interior spaces and encourages a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, allowing occupants to feel at one with their surroundings.

The landscape surrounding the cabin complements its architecture, featuring seating pods and tree circles that serve as areas for reflection and connection with nature. This thoughtful integration of the building with its landscape reinforces the overall mission of the project—to create a sanctuary for peaceful meditation that embraces its natural context.

For those interested in understanding the architectural plans, sections, and overall design intent further, exploring the full presentation of this project will provide deeper insights into its unique features and thoughtful approaches in architectural design.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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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