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Emphasizing Natural Filtration in Water-Centered Retreats

Authors:
Kinga Murawska, Weronika Walasz, Magdalena Gabrysiak-dzielicka
Emphasizing Natural Filtration in Water-Centered Retreats

Project in-detail

Rainwater flows through natural filtration systems in a retreat designed for meditation, fostering a deep connection to the surrounding forest environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rainwater is collected and filtered through gravel gutters to promote sustainability.
02
The design emphasizes a bent A-frame structure, enhancing the connection to nature.
03
Natural evaporation is utilized near the fireplace, illustrating water's cyclical process.
04
The layout encourages both individual reflection and communal gatherings.
05
No specific materials are detailed, focusing instead on ecological principles and techniques.

The Silent Meditation Forest Cabins project emphasizes a connection to nature through its thoughtful design. Located in a serene forest setting, the cabins serve as spaces for meditation and contemplation. The concept revolves around the idea of water circulation, highlighting the natural cycles that govern life and inviting people to engage with their environment in a mindful way.

Water Circulation Concept

The architectural approach centers on the collection of rainwater from the cabin roofs, which marks the beginning of the water cycle. This water moves through gutters filled with stones and gravel, effectively filtering impurities. This process not only serves a practical function but also raises awareness of the importance of clean water and ecological responsibility, reminding occupants of their dependence on nature.

Spatial Arrangement

Inside the cabins, the layout is designed to accommodate individual reflection and group interaction. A fireplace acts as a central feature, offering warmth and a gathering place for occupants. This design choice encourages a feeling of community while allowing for personal quiet time. The arrangement illustrates a balance between human activities and the natural world, fostering a peaceful atmosphere conducive to mindfulness.

Materiality

While the text does not specify materials, the design suggests a use of natural components that reflect the surrounding environment. This intention aligns with the overall goal of creating spaces that promote a strong bond with nature, echoing the project’s ecological theme.

The design culminates with water evaporating near the fireplace. This simple act completes the water cycle, engaging occupants and enhancing their awareness of the natural processes that surround them, deepening their experience within the cabins.

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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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