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Exploring Circular Design with Green Roofs and Vertical Gardens in Timber Meditation Spaces

Author:
Kamil Trojan
Exploring Circular Design with Green Roofs and Vertical Gardens in Timber Meditation Spaces

Project in-detail

Circular design with sustainably sourced timber and integrated vertical gardens creates a serene environment for meditation and reflection amid a natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular structure promotes communal meditation while allowing personal reflection.
02
Integrated vertical gardens enhance biodiversity and visual appeal.
03
Use of charred wooden shingles provides natural weather resistance.
04
Large skylights maximize natural light, creating a serene interior atmosphere.
05
Sustainably sourced timber reduces environmental impact and supports local ecosystems.
The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is a purpose-driven architectural project designed to facilitate meditation and reflection within a natural setting. Set within a verdant landscape, the cabin aims to create an immersive experience that fosters a profound connection between the occupants and their environment. The design leverages natural materials and elements to enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal, ensuring comfort while promoting tranquility and spirituality.

The cabin features a circular form, which serves as a central design element. This shape is significant, as it promotes unity and harmony, integral concepts in meditation practices. The structure incorporates both private and communal spaces, allowing flexibility for individual reflection as well as group activities. A key aspect of the design is the strategic placement of windows and skylights, which invite natural light and provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the cabin's connection to nature.

The building employs sustainable architectural practices, utilizing materials such as sustainably sourced timber for the façade and wooden interiors. Vertical wooden slats offer a natural barrier while permitting light and air to enter the space. A green roof and a living wall further emphasize eco-friendliness, promoting biodiversity and minimizing the ecological footprint.

The use of natural materials not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space but also contributes to its sensory qualities, helping to create a calming atmosphere conducive to meditation. The polished wood interiors, combined with expansive glass openings, facilitate seamless transitions between the inside and the outside, allowing occupants to engage with the external environment while in a sheltered space.

Innovative Design Approaches

One of the project’s distinguishing features is its integration of natural elements into the overall design. The architectural plan incorporates outdoor pathways that lead to the cabin, encouraging a gradual immersion into the surrounding foliage. This connection to the outdoors serves not only a functional purpose but also aligns with the project's overarching theme of spirituality and reflection.

The configuration of the interior spaces is another unique aspect of the design. The multifunctional layout includes dedicated areas for meditation, yoga, and reflection, without rigid boundaries, allowing occupants to utilize the space as needed. Circulation within the cabin is designed to promote fluid movement, backlit by natural light from the skylights, which assists in maintaining a serene atmosphere.

Attention to environmental context is further evident in the choice of a circular form and the arrangement of spaces within the cabin. This design decision encourages communal engagement, fostering connections among users while maintaining opportunities for personal reflection.

Sustainable Material Choices and Energy Efficiency

In terms of materiality, the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin employs a selection of sustainable materials that contribute to both energy efficiency and aesthetic quality. The exterior façade, composed of vertical wooden slats, is designed to weather naturally over time, requiring minimal maintenance. The green roof serves dual functions: it enhances thermal insulation and promotes rainwater collection, supporting the cabin's eco-friendly credentials.

The cabin’s interior is designed to maximize the use of natural light, thereby reducing reliance on artificial lighting. This approach not only lowers energy consumption but also enhances the occupants’ experience, creating a space that feels open and connected to the environment.

For further insights into the architectural plans and sections, as well as a deeper exploration of the architectural designs and ideas that shape the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin, consider reviewing the project presentation. Understanding these elements will provide a comprehensive view of how design, function, and sustainability intersect in this unique project.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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