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Faceted Retreat in Fabric and Aluminum with a Focus on Natural Connection

Authors:
Ali Imani, Zohaa Irshad, Ahmed Mian, Muahid Hussain
Faceted Retreat in Fabric and Aluminum with a Focus on Natural Connection

Project in-detail

Constructed with faceted aluminum and a high-performance fabric, the retreat offers a multi-functional space designed for sleep, work, and meditation, all while enhancing the connection to the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Faceted volumes create distinct spaces for sleep, work, and meditation.
02
Supports are provided by wood-clad stud walls with batt insulation.
03
Constructed using round hollow aluminum pipes for lightweight strength.
04
High-performance fabric encapsulates the structure for thermal comfort.
05
Design emphasizes user autonomy with accessible, visible functions.

CircPod is an architectural design that functions as a retreat space for individuals aiming to reconnect with nature and themselves. Located in a natural setting, it combines elements of a cabin and a tent, allowing for varied uses such as sleeping, working, and meditating. The concept is grounded in the awareness of circadian rhythms. The design intends to help users find a balance in their daily activities while immersed in their environment.

MORPHOLOGY AND SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

The design features faceted volumes, each dedicated to a specific activity: sleep, work, and meditation. These spaces come together to form a cohesive, crystalline structure. This arrangement enhances both aesthetics and functionality. The layout encourages movement throughout the cabin, making it easy for users to shift between tasks and engage with their surroundings.



USER EXPERIENCE

Accessibility and user choice are at the heart of the design. Occupants can move freely among different activities with no barriers in sight. This openness allows for a more spontaneous daily routine, which counters the monotony often found in traditional lifestyles. By supporting varied activities in one space, the design enhances the overall user experience and aligns with natural rhythms.



STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

CircPod's structural strength comes from three wood-clad stud walls fitted with batt insulation. This setup improves energy efficiency and thermal performance. Inside, round hollow aluminum pipes form the framework, connected by ball joints that enable quick assembly. This combination results in a lightweight yet sturdy construction that adapts well to its environment.



ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATION

The outer layer of CircPod consists of a high-performance, three-layer insulated fabric. This material helps regulate temperature, ensuring comfort for its occupants while also connecting the interior with the exterior environment. The fabric facade creates a gentle transition between inside and outside, reinforcing the idea of living harmoniously with nature.



CircPod illustrates how design can thoughtfully respond to human needs while fostering a deeper relationship with the natural world. Its emphasis on various activities and connectivity to the environment makes it a relevant exploration in contemporary architecture.

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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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