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Floating Islands and Glass Facades in a Natural Woodland Retreat

Author:
YUNG-CHUN SHIH
Floating Islands and Glass Facades in a Natural Woodland Retreat

Project in-detail

Crafted with floating islands and expansive glass facades, this woodland retreat merges seamlessly with its natural surroundings, providing a serene environment for meditation and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with floating islands that allow for meditation on water.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates extensive glass facades to maximize natural light and forest views.
04
Features a bent A-frame design that harmonizes with the surrounding trees.
05
Includes a semi-outdoor forest area to promote interaction with nature.

### Project Overview
Located within the Stone Barn Meditation Camp, "Meditation Forests" is designed to foster an environment that encourages meditation and relaxation, integrating seamlessly with the natural landscape. This initiative seeks to address modern mental health concerns by providing a space that enhances connections between individuals, nature, and self-awareness.

### Spatial Configuration
The design incorporates a variety of functional areas specifically aimed at promoting tranquility:
- **Forest Trailer Area**: A designated zone for relaxation and meditation activities.
- **Forest Dark Meditation Rooms**: Private spaces intended for deeper meditation experiences.
- **Guest Rooms**: Accommodations for visitors retreating from urban distractions.
- **Manager's House**: Ensures efficient administrative operations.
- **Open-Air Sauna Area**: Integrates wellness features within the natural environment.
- **Floating Islands**: An environmental pool offering recreational options like swimming and meditation.
- **Semi-Outdoor Forest Area**: Designed for nature-centric activities and engagement.

### Materiality and Environmental Synergy
Material choices are integral to the project's concept, with a focus on natural and sustainable elements:
- **Wood**: Used in structural and finish elements to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- **Glass**: Incorporated in windows and facades to enhance natural lighting and blur the distinction between interior and exterior spaces.
- **Stone**: Acknowledged for its historical significance in the context of the original stone barn structure.
- **Bamboo**: Considered for outdoor features due to its rapid growth and sustainable characteristics.

The design emphasizes a harmonious relationship with the existing forest ecosystem. Key environmental strategies include the preservation of the original forest to maintain ecological balance, the incorporation of features like the Floating Islands for recreational and educational purposes, and architectural orientation that utilizes natural ventilation to optimize energy efficiency. Through these strategies, the project not only seeks to promote mindfulness but also actively supports local biodiversity and ecological restoration.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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