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Elevated Meditation Spaces with Cross-Ventilation Among Treelines

Authors:
Namir Cisneros, Giovanni Caraballo, Carlos Monzon
Elevated Meditation Spaces with Cross-Ventilation Among Treelines

Project in-detail

Elevated meditation spaces provide serene views among treetops while incorporating cross-ventilation and thermal dynamics, creating a retreat that encourages both reflection and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated meditation spaces offer varying perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
02
Cross-ventilation is achieved through strategically placed openings on opposing sides.
03
A second-floor plan enhances the experience of vertical living in a compact footprint.
04
The cabin integrates thermal dynamics to maintain a comfortable interior climate.
05
Public and private areas are thoughtfully arranged to balance social interaction and solitude.

The cabin project features a design that effectively utilizes a compact footprint while prioritizing vertical growth. Set in a natural environment, the structure incorporates living spaces in a way that enhances the experience of its users. It includes two meditation areas placed at different levels, allowing guests to engage with the landscape from distinct perspectives. This thoughtful approach encourages a deeper connection with nature and promotes well-being.

Design Concept

The arrangement of spaces within the cabin clearly distinguishes between public and private areas, allowing for different types of interactions. Social spaces facilitate communal activities, while private rooms offer opportunities for quiet reflection. This organization reflects an understanding of how environments influence mood and mental health, balancing the need for connection with the desire for solitude.

Spatial Dynamics

A second-floor plan elevates the experience, creating varied conditions for guests. One meditation space is close to the ground, bringing users down to the earth, while the other is positioned near the treetops to provide expansive views. This thoughtful hierarchy fosters richer interactions with the environment, enhancing the overall experience by allowing guests to engage with nature in multiple ways.

Ventilation Strategy

The design pays careful attention to ventilation, employing nearly sealed facades alongside strategically placed openings to promote airflow. This setup enables effective cooling during warmer months and leverages natural thermal dynamics in winter. As hot air rises, it escapes from the second floor, keeping the interior comfortable year-round. This approach aligns with sustainable practices and promotes efficient energy use.

Natural Light and Design Details

The cabin makes use of natural light and air movement, drawing both into its living spaces. The configuration allows light to play across interior surfaces, creating a calming atmosphere. Openings are designed not just for views but also to improve airflow, making the interior more pleasant. The sleeping quarters on the second floor offer a unique experience, where occupants can immerse themselves in the treetops, feeling both elevated and closely connected to the surrounding 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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