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Glass Fireplace and Mobile Altar Within a Wooden Pyramid Retreat

Author:
Linda Vendsalu
Glass Fireplace and Mobile Altar Within a Wooden Pyramid Retreat

Project in-detail

A pyramid-shaped structure elevated on wooden pillars incorporates a glass fireplace and a mobile altar, creating a serene space for meditation and communal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pyramid structure enhances spiritual energy for meditation.
02
Elevated design creates usable space beneath for contemplation.
03
Mobile altar maximizes sunlight exposure for flower essence processing.
04
Sliding glass doors provide seamless connection to the natural environment.
05
Glass-enclosed fireplace adds warmth while allowing firewood storage.

The Pyramid Power Meditation Cabin is designed as a refuge for meditation, situated in a natural environment that emphasizes peace and introspection. This structure features a unique pyramid shape, elevated about 2.5 meters above the ground. By integrating traditional symbolic elements with modern design techniques, it encourages users to connect with their surroundings while practicing mindfulness. The layout focuses on creating spaces that prioritize both privacy and accessibility to nature.

Structure and Spatial Configuration

The building is supported by eight wooden pillars, which hold the pyramid above ground and create usable space underneath. This elevation allows for more options in how the area beneath can be utilized. Inside the cabin, there are two primary spaces: an enclosed attic designed for quiet meditation and an open ground floor intended for group activities. This layout promotes versatility, making it suitable for different types of meditative practices and gatherings.

Materials and Aesthetic

The use of wood throughout the cabin establishes a warm, inviting atmosphere. The solid wooden pillars play a crucial role in supporting the structure while echoing a commitment to sustainability. The pyramid’s roof is covered with wooden shingles that receive a biodegradable treatment, intended to develop a natural, silvery-grey finish that helps the cabin blend with the landscape over time. These choices reflect a desire to use materials that are both functional and visually coherent within the environment.

Functional Features

The cabin includes several thoughtfully designed features that enhance its purpose. A mobile altar is positioned to benefit from sunlight, allowing for activities such as flower essence processing that relate to meditation practices. Next to it, a glass-enclosed fireplace adds not just warmth but also a cozy element to the space, with built-in storage for firewood. This arrangement prioritizes comfort and contributes to a welcoming atmosphere.

Access and User Experience

Users reach the attic through a telescope ladder, which adds a distinct character to the space while maximizing usability. The sliding glass doors on the ground floor create a connection between the interior and the natural surroundings, allowing light and sounds from outside to fill the cabin. This feature enhances the experience of being in nature while providing a peaceful environment for meditation. The interior embraces simple lines and open areas, creating a calm setting that encourages reflection and self-discovery.

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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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