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Floating Stone Elements in a Circular Meditation Retreat

Author:
Gene Miao
Floating Stone Elements in a Circular Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Suspended stone elements create a unique visual experience in a circular retreat that serves as a dedicated space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended stones create a floating visual effect, enhancing the sense of lightness.
02
Circular shape promotes fluid movement and a unified space for meditation.
03
Locally sourced timber complements the rough exterior stone walls.
04
A circular glass skylight offers dynamic views of the sky and natural light.
05
Movable altar designed for processing flower essences adds functionality.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin, also known as the Floating-Stone House, serves as a peaceful retreat aimed at meditation and reflection. It is set in a tranquil natural environment that enhances the experience of mindfulness. The design focuses on creating a close relationship between the building and its surroundings. The shape of the cabin is circular, promoting a sense of calm and unity.

Concept and Form

The overall design of the cabin revolves around its circular shape, which allows for easy movement within the space. When approaching, visitors first see a sturdy wall made of stone and mortar, resembling traditional building techniques. As one walks around the cabin, openings gradually show glass windows, welcoming light into the interior and creating a connection between the outside landscape and indoor environment.

Structure and Functionality

Within the cabin, locally sourced timber is used to complement the external stone. The solid stone base contains important features such as a toilet, a fireplace, and a spiral staircase that leads to an upper viewing platform. This thoughtful arrangement of elements ensures comfort and practicality while still allowing for moments of solitude and concentration.

Floating Stone Elements

Important to the design are the suspended stones that create the visual impression of floating. Each stone is held in place by stainless-steel threaded rods, which are drilled through the stones to provide support. This method allows light to shine through while offering views of the natural surroundings. The visual interplay between the stones and light enhances the sensory experience of the cabin.

Light and Ambiance

The design includes a layer of curved glass positioned behind the suspended stones. This serves to protect the interior from rain and wind but still lets in plenty of natural light. A circular glass skylight situated above brings dynamic views of the sky and encourages interaction with the outside world. This feature deepens the overall experience of being in the space, inviting occupants to engage more fully with the environment around them.

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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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