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Glass Dome and Local Wood Create a Serene Meditation Retreat

Author:
Andrea Von birgelen
Glass Dome and Local Wood Create a Serene Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

A glass dome captures natural light while local wood forms a petal-like structure in a tranquil retreat designed specifically for meditation and the drying of flowers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Glass dome provides optimal sunlight for drying petals.
02
Walls mimic flower petals, allowing for flexible interior space.
03
Central altar is height adjustable for various activities.
04
Circular layout enhances the connection between interior and nature.
05
Tree trunk supports create a natural boundary around the cabin.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is located in the beautiful landscape of New Zealand, serving as a peaceful retreat for meditation and a place for drying petals. The design uses the shape of a flower as inspiration, creating a space that blends with the environment. This approach fosters a strong connection to nature while providing a functional area for reflection and contemplation.

Structure and Layout

The layout takes a circular form, with walls designed to resemble flower petals. This allows the cabin to be both a protected space for meditation and an open area when the walls are extended. Users can choose between a cozy indoor setting and an expansive outdoor experience. This flexibility enhances the relationship with the natural surroundings, making it a thoughtful design for those seeking tranquility.

Central Features

At the center of the cabin is an altar table that hangs from a glass dome above. The dome lets sunlight in, offering ideal conditions for drying petals. The table can be adjusted in height, providing versatility for different activities. This central feature emphasizes the functionality of the space while maintaining a clean and simple aesthetic that is easy to appreciate.

Support Structure

Around the cabin, a circle of tree trunks serves as structural supports and creates a boundary between the meditative interior and the outside world. This detail not only supports the design but also enhances a sense of enclosure, allowing individuals to feel more secure and focused within the space. It reinforces the connection to the natural environment, creating a comforting atmosphere.

Materials and Sustainability

The design employs insulated glazing set in aluminum frames to ensure energy efficiency and strength. Local wood is used for the blossom elements, highlighting a commitment to sustainability. The construction also includes waterproof insulation, OSB sheeting, and a concrete base, making the cabin durable and reliable over time.

The glass dome provides light and a sense of openness. Sunlight filters through, illuminating the space and fostering a calming ambiance that invites meditation and reflection.

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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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