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Elevated Timber Retreat with Aromatic Essential Oil Flow

Authors:
Gregory Wang, Jack Walker
Elevated Timber Retreat with Aromatic Essential Oil Flow

Project in-detail

Constructed from laminated veneer lumber and clad in durable Abodo Vulcan, the cabin features a double-height space that enhances the aromatic flow of essential oils, providing a serene retreat for meditation and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with laminated veneer lumber to enhance structural efficiency.
02
Abodo Vulcan exterior cladding offers durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Double-height design promotes natural light and aroma movement.
04
Integrated essential oils processing area for immersive experiences.
05
Insulated with biodegradable Terra Lana wool for improved indoor air quality.

Kiwi Meditation Cabins is located in the Earth Energies Eco Sanctuary Precinct in Mangatarata, Aotearoa, New Zealand. The cabins serve as spaces for meditation and personal reflection, designed to fit comfortably within the forest landscape. The overall design concept prioritizes peace and connection to the natural environment, creating a setting conducive to relaxation for all visitors.

Material Selection and Construction
The structure features laminated veneer lumber (LVL) sourced from New Zealand, providing both strength and visual appeal. For the exterior, Abodo Vulcan, a thermally modified pinus radiata timber, has been chosen for its long-lasting qualities. This emphasis on wood takes into account both the building’s structural needs and its environmental impact, helping to absorb carbon as part of its overall footprint.

Spatial Organization
An open and inviting environment is created by elevating the roof's top edge, which allows ample natural light to enter. This design choice enhances the connection between the occupants and the surrounding forest. The inclusion of a double-height space promotes the movement of essential oil aromas throughout the cabin, which is important for those practicing meditation and seeking relaxation.

Energy Performance
Energy efficiency plays a significant role in the design. Low-e coated, triple-glazed windows are installed to improve thermal performance, ensuring the spaces remain comfortable across seasons. These windows allow for passive solar heat, making the cabin inviting while reducing glare and maintaining a serene atmosphere for its users.

Insulation and Sustainability
The project utilizes Terra Lana NZ wool insulation, known for being biodegradable and safe for indoor air quality. This helps manage moisture and contributes to a healthy environment, aligned with the intention of creating a sustainable retreat. The choice of insulation reflects a commitment to both ecological responsibility and user comfort.

Large operable openings in the cabin invite fresh air into the space, fostering a direct relationship with the surrounding woods. This design encourages a sense of connection with nature and provides an environment that promotes contemplation and mindfulness.

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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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