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Elevated Retreat with Tatami Mats and Efficient Rainwater Collection

Author:
Doris Rittler
Elevated Retreat with Tatami Mats and Efficient Rainwater Collection

Project in-detail

Raising the main cabin room on four pillars allows for minimal ground impact while incorporating tatami mats and a rainwater collection system, creating a sustainable retreat for meditation within the forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Raised on four pillars to minimize ground disturbance Incorporates tatami mats for comfort and tradition Features a dry toilet for ease of use and hygiene Utilizes a rainwater collection system for sustainability Design allows for adaptable stair arrangements based on tree height.

The Crow's Nest Silent Meditation Forest Cabins are set within a forest, offering a peaceful space for meditation and contemplation. Designed with a focus on minimizing environmental impact, the structure is raised above the ground on four pillars. This allows for easy passage under the cabin, preserving the natural terrain. The design takes cues from traditional hunter lookouts, encouraging visitors to connect quietly with the surrounding nature.

Design and Layout

The layout of the cabin is compact yet functional, dividing the space into clear zones for different activities. The main area consists of a kitchen and a meditation section. The kitchen includes essential features such as storage drawers, a water tank, and a basin, allowing for basic food preparation. A wood stove is also included, providing warmth and a place to prepare tea, enhancing the overall experience for users.

Meditation Experience

The meditation area is designed to encourage a connection with nature. Tatami mats are used on the floor, bringing a sense of comfort and calm. Large windows and a skylight allow natural light to fill the space, offering unobstructed views of the trees and sky. This openness invites the sounds of the forest in, enriching the time spent in meditation. Visitors can even place bedding on the tatami mats, giving them a chance to gaze at the stars at night.

Access and Utility

Access to the cabin is through stairways that lead to a platform, providing different viewpoints of the forest. This flexibility allows the design to adapt to the landscape, adjusting the height and arrangement of the stairs according to the surrounding trees.

On the ground floor, a dry toilet and firewood storage are located for convenience and hygiene. The water system is designed to collect rainwater from the roof, stored in a tank. This approach supports sustainability, using natural resources effectively without unnecessary waste.

Overall, the design focuses on simplicity and practicality, creating a space that respects the forest while offering comfort. A large window frames views of the forest skyline, serving as a visual link between the inside and outside, allowing visitors to feel connected to the environment.

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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

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