Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Elliptical Skylights and Wood Frames Creating Tranquil Meditation Space

Author:
Davin Moon
Elliptical Skylights and Wood Frames Creating Tranquil Meditation Space

Project in-detail

With its unique elliptical skylights and wooden frames, the design offers a serene environment that facilitates meditation and introspection in a carefully curated space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique elliptical skylights enhance natural light dynamics throughout the day.
02
The wooden frames create a warm atmosphere while providing structural integrity.
03
Acoustic elements, including gravel at the entrance, enrich the sensory experience.
04
Translucent wall sections manage light entry and connect interior with the outdoors.
05
Design prioritizes meditation through careful spatial arrangements and features.

The design focuses on meditation, creating a space that encourages deep thinking and self-reflection. Located in a serene environment, the building invites individuals to step away from the noise of daily life. The overall concept emphasizes separation, both from external distractions and within oneself, fostering a calm atmosphere suitable for meditation practices.

Concept and Spatial Organization

The structure incorporates distinct volumes, featuring elliptical skylights and entrances that draw natural light into the interior. This arrangement offers a floating appearance, allowing the building to sit lightly above the ground. The design clearly distinguishes the space from its surroundings while still maintaining a connection to nature. Each element is carefully considered to support meditation, creating a calming environment that promotes personal reflection.

Interior Elements and Light Manipulation

Inside, the layout includes features that cater specifically to meditation. Clear footprints at the entrance, small tables for flower essence, and designated mats encourage users to form a connection with the space. The oval ceiling contrasts with the outer rectangular shape, introducing an interesting dynamic to the experience. This ceiling design allows for varied light conditions throughout the day, which greatly enhances the meditative atmosphere.

Materiality and Acoustic Considerations

The selected materials add to the natural feeling of the space. Elements like ellipse glass and wooden frames create warmth, while structural features, including columns and beams, ensure stability. Acoustic aspects are also integral, with gravel used at the entrance to provide texture and sound. This combination of materials and auditory detail enriches the overall experience and contributes to a peaceful setting for users.

Natural Integration and Design Detail

Walls feature a mix of translucent and transparent sections that manage light while connecting the indoors with the outdoors. This thoughtful manipulation of light serves as an essential part of the meditation experience. By emphasizing these details, the design invites users into a space that is tailored for calmness and reflection, where every element plays a role in supporting personal introspection.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy