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Green Roof Retreat Featuring Rockwool Insulation and Natural Wood Panels

Authors:
Rami Idlby, Yaman Kabakbji, Moushmoush Moushmoush, Burcu Yuksel
Green Roof Retreat Featuring Rockwool Insulation and Natural Wood Panels

Project in-detail

Utilizing a green roof and rockwool insulation within a structure of natural wood panels, the design creates a meditation cabin that seamlessly integrates with its forested surroundings, promoting a peaceful environment for reflection and mindfulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a green roof to improve energy efficiency and biodiversity.
02
Incorporates rockwool insulation for superior thermal performance and soundproofing.
03
Features a meditation room with extensive glass walls for nature immersion.
04
Design elements reflect indigenous Maori motifs to enhance cultural connection.
05
The structure is designed for passive solar heating and natural ventilation.
The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is an architectural project designed to create a dedicated space for meditation while integrating elements of Maori culture and sustainable building practices. Located within a natural setting, this cabin emphasizes a connection to the environment through its design and material choices. The project highlights the importance of mindfulness and tranquility, providing users with a serene atmosphere conducive to personal reflection and meditation.

Innovative Design Strategies and Cultural Integration

The architectural design employs a hybrid structure combining a glass cube with a wooden cylindrical form. This juxtaposition serves to enhance the cabin's connection to nature while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. The extensive use of glass walls allows natural light to flood the interior, promoting a sense of openness and minimizing boundaries between the inside and outside environments. In contrast, the wooden elements provide a tactile warmth that resonates with the surrounding landscape.

The cabin's interior features cultural motifs inspired by Maori practices, linking the act of meditation to the region's rich heritage. This attention to cultural detail differentiates the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin from other meditation spaces, as it fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of New Zealand's indigenous roots.

Sustainability and Functionality

Sustainable practices are central to the design philosophy of the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin. The structure utilizes passive solar heating strategies, optimizing its orientation to capture sunlight throughout the day. This orientation also supports natural ventilation, ensuring comfort without relying on mechanical systems.

The interior layout is thoughtfully arranged to enhance the meditative experience. The meditation room serves as the focal point, featuring unobstructed views and a calming ambiance. Additionally, a private outdoor patio extends the meditative experience to the natural world, providing an area for quiet reflection. The cabin also incorporates a green roof, which not only contributes to thermal performance but also integrates the building within its environment.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin stands as an example of functional design merged with cultural sensitivity and environmental responsibility. For a more comprehensive understanding of this project, explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs presented in the project documentation. This exploration will provide further insights into the architectural ideas that make the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin a unique contribution to spaces of contemplation.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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