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Elevated Meditation Space Crafted From Recycled Pallets and Local Stone

Authors:
Jordan Prasad, John Golena, Regan Aldrin
Elevated Meditation Space Crafted From Recycled Pallets and Local Stone

Project in-detail

Constructed with recycled pallets and local stone, the elevated meditation cabin offers a tranquil space that fosters connection to nature and mindfulness through its thoughtful design and orientation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using recycled wooden pallets, promoting sustainability.
02
Elevated design minimizes land impact while symbolizing spiritual ascent.
03
Incorporates locally sourced stone for durability and thermal efficiency.
04
Features a netted flooring system that creates a floating sensation.
05
Strategically oriented to maximize morning sunlight for warmth.

Rangimarie: Peaceful Meditation Cabin is a meditation space located in the scenic landscapes of New Zealand. Designed for quiet reflection, the cabin aims to create a calming atmosphere that connects visitors with nature. Inspired by traditional Māori architectural forms, it features distinct gabled roofs and A-frame profiles that blend harmoniously with the environment. The meditation area is elevated, which reduces its impact on the land and symbolizes a journey toward spiritual elevation.

Materiality

The cabin uses recycled wooden pallets for its exterior, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. This choice not only supports environmental conservation but also provides both visual interest and shade. Inside, locally sourced stone serves as flooring, offering durability and warmth. This connection to local materials enhances the sense of place. Extensive use of glass throughout the design allows for unobstructed views, encouraging occupants to engage with the surrounding landscape.

Building Orientation

Building orientation is a vital consideration in the design. The structure is positioned to take advantage of morning sun, which helps retain heat in the stone flooring. The orientation of the essence room, facing north, captures this sunlight, while the pallet roof offers shade during the warmer afternoon hours. This careful planning balances light and temperature, creating a comfortable space for meditation.

Key Features

Rangimarie includes unique design features that enhance the meditative experience. For example, the stone floor incorporates a netting element, creating an illusion of floating when occupied. This design adds a layer of sensory experience for users. The wooden pallet shell surrounds the glass core, providing a clear transition between indoor and outdoor areas. Surrounding the cabin, a ring of trees creates a tranquil setting with simple seating made from recycled pallets. This encourages visitors to relax and immerse themselves in nature.

Each of these elements contributes to an atmosphere of peace and reflection. The relationship between the building and its natural surroundings promotes mindfulness and encourages deeper connections to the environment. The design of Rangimarie exemplifies how architecture can support well-being through thoughtful integration with nature.

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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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