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Flexible Wood Panels Create a Fluid Meditation Retreat in Natural Surroundings

Authors:
Edgar Cabadas, Catherine Abbott, Jessica Martinez
Flexible Wood Panels Create a Fluid Meditation Retreat in Natural Surroundings
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With flexible wood panels designed for adaptability and a strong emphasis on natural light, the cabin offers a unique space for meditation and connection to the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible wood panels allow for customizable configurations and enhanced airflow.
02
The design features a 360-degree hinge system for versatile wall adjustments.
03
Local materials were prioritized to align with environmental sustainability goals.
04
Natural light is maximized through thoughtfully placed openings in the structure.
05
The cabin’s layout fosters a direct connection to the surrounding landscape.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is designed as a peaceful retreat within a natural landscape. It serves as a space for meditation and reflection, encouraging users to connect with their surroundings. The design focuses on creating a calm environment with abundant natural light and fresh air, emphasizing the importance of nature in the experience.

Spatial Flexibility

Flexible wood panels are the main feature of the cabin, allowing plenty of interaction with both the inside and outside spaces. Users can adjust these panels according to their needs, creating variations in how the space is used. This adaptability makes it possible to enhance airflow and sightlines to the exterior, effectively blending the cabin with its environment.

Material Considerations

The cabin uses wood panels selected for their functional and aesthetic qualities. These panels are designed with a 360-degree hinge mechanism attached to a metal rod, allowing them to be easily moved. This thoughtful choice of materials supports the goal of enhancing the sensory experience while respecting the natural setting.

Environmental Integration

The cabin is designed to work well with its surroundings, using locally sourced materials and considering its geographical location. By aligning the cabin with the landscape, it respects the local ecology while promoting a closer connection to nature. The layout maximizes sunlight and allows for effective air circulation, improving the overall experience for users.

The design detail of flexible panels highlights the cabin's goal of creating an interactive and engaging atmosphere. Walls that can open or close in response to changing conditions invite users to engage with the shifting environment outside. This adaptability makes the cabin a space of refuge, linking the indoor experience to the natural world in a meaningful way.

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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.

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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

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