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Flat Roof Meditation Space Surrounded by Native Trees

Authors:
Hannah Hryniewicki, Nathan Leigh, Gianna Prather
Flat Roof Meditation Space Surrounded by Native Trees

Project in-detail

Surrounded by native trees, a flat roof meditation space utilizes the natural slope of the site to provide diverse areas for reflection and introspection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to honor the surrounding sacred area, the building is positioned away from native trees.
02
The roof serves as a usable meditation space, enhancing functionality in a small footprint.
03
A long entry ramp facilitates seamless access while integrating with the site's natural slope.
04
Circulation paths provide multiple routes, allowing for diverse meditative experiences.
05
Natural light filters through, creating dynamic shadows that enhance the tranquil atmosphere.

The project is set within a landscape adorned with native trees and aims to create a space for meditation. It is designed to strengthen the connection between built forms and the natural environment. The intent is to enhance meditation experiences by providing a peaceful and inviting setting. The overall concept places significant emphasis on honoring the sacred qualities of the site while introducing a thoughtful architectural presence.

Design Concept

The design recognizes the importance of the surrounding area while opting to position the building away from it. This choice allows the existing natural temple to remain undisturbed. The layout is intended to be respectful and complementary, offering a dedicated space for meditation that draws inspiration from the serene landscape.



Utilization of Topography

The project effectively utilizes the natural slope of the land. The roof of the building serves as a functional space, maximizing the benefits of its small footprint. A long entry ramp has been incorporated to enhance accessibility. Visitors are guided through the gentle incline toward a flat roof level that serves as an additional area for meditation. This approach emphasizes the transition between movement and stillness.



Circulation and Experience

Careful attention has been given to the circulation path, which wraps around the building. This path connects various areas and leads guests to the interior meditation room while maintaining a visual relationship with the sacred area nearby. The thoughtful organization of movement promotes interaction with the environment, allowing opportunities for quiet reflection throughout the space.



Meditation Spaces

Various distinct meditation areas have been included in the design, such as the indoor room, the rooftop, and an outdoor setting enriched with natural elements. Each area provides a different atmosphere, accommodating different meditation practices. This variety encourages individuals to find their own preferred space for reflection, reinforcing the idea that meditation can take many forms.

Natural light plays an important role in the overall design. It enters the spaces and creates different shadows throughout the day. This detail enhances the ambiance and contributes to the sense of tranquility, allowing individuals to truly engage with their surroundings.

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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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