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Elevated Timber Footings and Sheep Wool Insulation for a Forest Retreat

Author:
Rebecca Wise
Elevated Timber Footings and Sheep Wool Insulation for a Forest Retreat

Project in-detail

Elevated on timber footings and insulated with sheep wool, the cabin harmonizes with its forest environment to serve as a multifunctional retreat for meditation and daily living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure minimizes ground impact and preserves undergrowth.
02
Utilizes sheep wool insulation for thermal efficiency and sustainability.
03
Design includes dedicated spaces for meditation and daily activities.
04
Features a vertical slot window for controlled forest views.
05
Intermediate space connects living and meditation areas seamlessly.

The Silent Meditation Forest Cabin is a carefully designed structure located in a tranquil forest environment. It aims to provide spaces for both meditation and daily living. The design concept revolves around creating two distinct forms, one dedicated to rest and the other to meditation. This thoughtful arrangement supports users' needs for privacy and interaction with nature.

Design Concept

Three main areas accommodate various activities such as sleeping, eating, working, meditating, and tea making. The clear separation between the living space and the meditation area emphasizes their different functions. An intermediate space connects these zones and houses necessary amenities, making the design practical while maintaining a strong aesthetic quality.

Spatial Organization

The cabin is elevated on timber footings, which helps reduce its impact on the environment by preserving ground vegetation. The structure's design language contrasts between the two main forms. The living area is open and welcoming, while the meditation space focuses inward, offering privacy for contemplation. This arrangement encourages users to engage with the natural surroundings in a direct and meaningful way.

Light and Views

Natural light is an essential element in the cabin's design. The living area features a vertical slot window that provides limited views of the forest, creating an enclosed feeling that still connects occupants to the outside. The meditation space, in contrast, uses a roof light to bring in plenty of natural light, fostering an atmosphere that promotes reflection and mindfulness.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Accessibility is considered throughout the design process. Options for ramps and timber steps ensure easy movement for all users. The materials chosen, including timber for the structural frame and sheep wool for insulation, highlight a dedication to sustainability. These materials provide good thermal performance while blending with the natural setting and supporting ecological principles.

The cabin uses light and views to connect inside spaces with the surrounding forest. Features like vertical slot windows and roof lights create a relationship between the interior and the tree canopy above, inviting nature into the daily experience of its occupants.

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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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