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Elevated Retreat with Wood Bark and Timber for Introspection

Authors:
Chitsanuphong Chaisiripanich, Pongpob Boonwong, Pattravut Singkorngaew, Surakist Hunpaisarn
Elevated Retreat with Wood Bark and Timber for Introspection

Project in-detail

Elevated above the ground and wrapped in wood bark, the cabin offers a serene space for meditation and introspection, seamlessly blending with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built using locally sourced pine timber, enhancing sustainability.
02
Exterior clad in wood bark, symbolizing the skin of a tree.
03
First floor elevated to minimize impact on the ground beneath.
04
Passive light design allows for soft illumination throughout the cabin.
05
Internal layout includes dedicated spaces for meditation and daily activities.

The Meditation Cabin, titled "Cast-Off Surface," serves as a retreat designed for introspection and meditation. Located in an inviting natural environment, the cabin embodies the concept of shedding mental burdens, much like peeling back layers of a tree trunk. With a one-storey layout and vertically stacked internal spaces, the design promotes simplicity while providing essential functions.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the cabin includes specific areas for different activities. These spaces consist of an entrance, storage, a dry toilet, a small kitchenette, a bed, and a meditation area. Each zone is clearly defined, making daily tasks easier while maintaining a calm atmosphere. The flow of movement within the cabin is deliberate, allowing users to transition smoothly between various activities and moments of reflection.

Light and Ambiance

Natural light is a crucial element in this design. Small voids are incorporated throughout the structure to allow for passive lighting. This approach brings soft, diffused light into the cabin, helping to create a peaceful and calming ambiance. The way light interacts with the interior reinforces the idea of being connected to nature, enhancing the overall experience of clarity and tranquility.

Materiality

Materials used in the cabin focus on local resources, highlighting sustainability and environmental care. The exterior features wood bark, representing the protective layer of a tree, which ties the building to its surroundings. Inside, pine wood timber is utilized, offering warmth and comfort. The choice of materials helps create a welcoming atmosphere, allowing users to feel at ease in their surroundings.

Design Detail

Elevating the first floor above ground serves dual purposes. It reduces impact on the earth's surface and also symbolizes a rise above daily distractions. This thoughtful design decision contributes to creating a space where users can engage in mindfulness and self-reflection. The cabin stands as a clear expression of focus, providing a dedicated environment for contemplation and personal growth.

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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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