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Elevated Retreat with Charred Timber and Thatch Roof for Meditation

Author:
Karol Kundrák
Elevated Retreat with Charred Timber and Thatch Roof for Meditation

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred timber and a thatched roof, the elevated cabin offers a serene setting for meditation, merging traditional Maori architectural elements with modern functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built with charred timber for durability and aesthetics.
02
Features a traditional thatched roof for effective water drainage.
03
Elevated structure enhances views and connection to nature.
04
Incorporates folding shades for privacy and light control.
05
Designed to reflect Maori cultural elements in a modern context.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin offers a peaceful space designed for meditation and reflection. Located within a beautiful landscape, it aims to provide a retreat from the stresses of everyday life. Drawing inspiration from traditional Maori houses, the cabin’s design incorporates cultural elements that create a calming atmosphere. The overall concept focuses on connecting users with both themselves and their environment.

Structural Form

The cabin features an elevated structure that enhances views of the surrounding area. This height contributes to a sense of openness and creates a space that feels tranquil. A skylight is included in the design, allowing natural light to fill the room, which adds to the peaceful experience. Large windows connect the inside of the cabin with the outside world, inviting the beauty of nature into the space.

Material Considerations

Material choices prioritize sustainability while maintaining an appealing look. Wood is the main material used in the structure, valued for its easy availability and low environmental impact. The exterior is covered with charred timber planks that resist moisture and fit well with the natural surroundings. This choice reflects a blend of traditional and modern building practices.

Interior Atmosphere

Inside, the cabin walls are finished with a lighter type of wood, which helps create a spacious and calming environment. This wood not only adds to the serene atmosphere but also improves the sound quality within the cabin. The roof uses straw thatch, a nod to Maori architecture, which effectively directs water away from the building. Such choices respect cultural heritage while providing practical solutions for climate challenges.

Functional Design Features

The cabin also includes a system of folding shades that allow for privacy when needed. Users can control the amount of light that enters the space, balancing the desire for openness with the need for solitude. This thoughtful design makes the cabin adaptable to different situations, ensuring it serves its purpose well as a sanctuary for meditation.

The overall design blends traditional forms with contemporary needs. A notable detail is the gently sloping roof, which draws the eye upward and creates a connection to the sky. This architectural choice reflects the cabin’s intention as a place for mindfulness and self-reflection, encouraging a deep sense of calm and awareness.

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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
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