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Floating Timber Canopy for Mindful Reflection

Author:
Darran Brennan
Floating Timber Canopy for Mindful Reflection

Project in-detail

A floating roof supports a sanctuary of circular timber columns, creating a sunken space for mindfulness and reflection amid the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating roof design enhances natural light and protects the meditation area from the elements.
02
Sunken layout fosters a sense of intimacy and connection with the surrounding landscape.
03
Circular timber columns create a visual "forest," emphasizing organic forms within the structure.
04
Reflective materials on the parapet mirror the environment, blurring boundaries between indoors and outdoors.
05
The altar design integrates flower essence processing into the meditative experience, enhancing sensory engagement.

"Haumanu" is a project focused on mindfulness and therapeutic practices, set in a peaceful natural environment. The design aims to create a direct connection between the built structure and its surroundings. Drawing on the Maori concept of therapy, the project emphasizes contemplation and personal renewal within its architectural framework.

Floating Roof Structure
A notable feature of "Haumanu" is its floating roof, which appears to hover above the meditation space. This design protects users from rain and harsh sunlight while creating a sheltered area for reflection. The elliptical shape of the roof allows sunlight to spill onto an altar beneath, enhancing the space's therapeutic purpose.

Sunken Design
The excavation of the site results in a sunken area that fosters a more intimate relationship with nature. This choice encourages a secluded atmosphere, ideal for meditation. The contrast between the elevated roof and the lowered ground enhances the experience, inviting users to connect deeply with their environment.

Timber Column Forest
The roof is supported by a series of circular timber columns, forming what resembles a man-made forest. These columns vary in size and placement, contributing to a dynamic environment. Alongside their structural role, they provide protection from the wind, allowing the meditation area to remain open and welcoming.

Reflective Parapet
A band of reflective material runs along the parapet, mirroring the surrounding landscape. This design element helps blur the boundaries between the structure and nature. It adds a layer of depth, promoting a sense of calm and connection to the setting.

Sunlight pours through circular openings above, casting gentle patterns on the ground. These shifting light effects enhance the space's meditative quality, grounding users in the rhythm of the natural world.

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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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