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Elevated Meditation Retreat with Natural Slate and Timber Elements

Authors:
Noémi Lajos, Alexander Sárközi, Vanessza Véber
Elevated Meditation Retreat with Natural Slate and Timber Elements

Project in-detail

Constructed with natural slate and timber, the elevated structure blends harmoniously into the pine forest, providing a tranquil retreat designed for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural slate flooring provides durability and integrates seamlessly with the forest environment.
02
Hexagonal layout enhances spatial flow and encourages user engagement with nature.
03
Elevated on stilts to minimize ecological impact and avoid foundation disruption.
04
Large glass surfaces frame forest views, promoting a connection to the surroundings.
05
Designed specifically for meditation with a focused area at the hexagon's vertex.

Wood Nook stands as a carefully designed space situated in a peaceful pine forest, focusing on meditation and reflection. It serves as a retreat where individuals can disconnect from daily life and immerse themselves in nature. The overall design emphasizes tranquility and unity with the environment, creating an experience that encourages mindfulness.

Form and Structure

The building takes shape in a geometric form that highlights vertical lines and upward movement, resonating with the feelings associated with meditation. The increase in ceiling height rather than expanding the floor area promotes a sense of openness. The acute angle of the roof supports both structural stability and visual appeal. The hexagonal floor plan enhances the arrangement of space, guiding users toward important areas while allowing for a seamless flow throughout.



Material Selection

The choice of materials is crucial in reinforcing the design’s connection to nature. Natural slate is used for the flooring, bringing durability and a pleasing look. The timber structure provides strength and warmth, making the space feel inviting. To improve energy efficiency, the building incorporates PIR thermal insulation. Pine decking and rafters add to the overall atmosphere while ensuring the structure blends with its surroundings. Insulated glazing allows ample natural light to fill the interior.



Environmental Integration

Wood Nook is elevated on stilts, which reduces its impact on the environment while allowing it to adapt to different conditions without requiring concrete foundations. This approach supports sustainability, letting the design harmonize with the landscape. A solar panel mounted on nearby trees reflects a commitment to renewable energy. The wood-burning stove serves as an effective heating option that aligns with the project’s overall ecological sensitivity.

Walking into Wood Nook, one experiences a thoughtful arrangement of space, light, and nature. The meditation area, located at the vertex of the hexagonal design, is framed by large glass surfaces that offer expansive views of the forest. This arrangement encourages moments of quiet reflection and a deeper connection to the 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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