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Elevated Structure Crafted from Recycled Composite and Timber Embracing Natural Light for Silent Reflection

Authors:
Olivier Jauniaux, Xavier Augilo aran
Elevated Structure Crafted from Recycled Composite and Timber Embracing Natural Light for Silent Reflection

Project in-detail

An elevated form constructed with recycled composite and locally sourced timber creates a serene meditation cabin that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, providing a dedicated space for reflection and mindfulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes land disturbance and enhances ecological balance.
02
Incorporates triple-glazed windows for optimal natural light and insulation.
03
Utilizes locally sourced timber to reduce carbon footprint.
04
Features recycled composite materials for sustainable exterior cladding.
05
Central atrium fosters a sense of openness and connection to nature.

The Floating Pine Cone Silent Meditation Cabin is an architectural design project that serves as a peaceful retreat for meditation and self-reflection. The structure is strategically situated within a natural landscape, designed to foster tranquility and connection with the environment. Its form, inspired by a pine cone, integrates seamlessly with the surroundings while delivering a functional and contemplative space.

The cabin is elevated off the ground on slender stilts to minimize ecological impact and promote natural drainage. This elevating approach not only preserves the terrain but also enhances the user’s experience of floating amidst nature. The overall design prioritizes sustainability and self-sufficiency, utilizing renewable energy sources and employing environmentally friendly materials throughout construction.

Unique Design Approaches

One distinguishing feature of this project is its focus on harmonizing with its natural context. The architectural design includes a pointed roof that mimics the shape of a pine cone, creating an iconic silhouette against the backdrop of the woodland surroundings. The structure also integrates large triple-glazed windows that provide extensive views of the landscape, while admitting natural light to enhance the internal atmosphere of the cabin. This integration of expansive glazing is essential for creating an indoor connection with the outdoor environment, important for meditation practice.

The cabin incorporates a central atrium that serves as a focal point for natural light, promoting a sense of openness and serenity. The internal layout is functional, featuring designated areas for meditation, relaxation, and shelter, thus facilitating various activities within the same space. The design ensures that users experience comfort regardless of seasonal changes, with well-planned thermal insulation and a heating element that supports year-round use.

Sustainable Material Use

Attention to materiality is evident throughout the Floating Pine Cone Cabin. The structure utilizes sustainably sourced timber for framing, providing a robust yet aesthetically pleasing assembly. The exterior is clad in recycled composite materials, offering durability while reducing the environmental footprint of the project. Integrating solar panels into the roof design further enhances sustainability, enabling the cabin to operate on renewable energy.

Overall, the Floating Pine Cone Silent Meditation Cabin exemplifies thoughtful architectural design that prioritizes user experience and environmental stewardship. For additional details on the architectural plans, sections, and designs of this project, explore the project presentation. Interested readers can gain deeper insights into the architectural ideas and approaches that shape this unique cabin.

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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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