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Hanging Rooms Emphasizing Wooden Shingles in a Modern Meditation Space

Author:
Paweł Retkowski
Hanging Rooms Emphasizing Wooden Shingles in a Modern Meditation Space

Project in-detail

Suspended rooms inspired by birdhouses, adorned with wooden shingles and a steel framework, create a tranquil environment for meditation while seamlessly linking a historical structure with a modern addition.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended rooms mimic birdhouses, creating a unique spatial experience.
02
A glazed passage connects the historical and modern sections, enhancing flow.
03
Natural light predominates in the main hall through a fully glazed roof.
04
Wooden shingles on the roof align with local architectural traditions.
05
Dual pathways separate guest and staff circulation for improved functionality.

The design effectively combines a historical building with a modern addition, highlighting a blend of different architectural styles. Located in a setting that acknowledges its past, the structure serves as both a space for meditation and a place that encourages interaction with nature. The overall design concept focuses on reducing the impact on the environment, achieving a connection between the old sections of the building and the new features.

Historical Context

The historical section maintains its architectural integrity while the new block occupies the site of a former structure. Access is facilitated by a main entrance on the southern side, which improves the flow through the building. Two distinct pathways are designed for guests and staff, ensuring clear movement within the space. While the elevation of the historical part is preserved, the modern addition updates elements like the windows and roof, which are larger and incorporate wooden shingles, offering a contemporary aesthetic.

New Block Design

Drawing inspiration from birdhouses, the new block resembles lightweight structures that seem to hang above the ground. Each room accommodates one or two people and includes a staircase positioned within a glass enclosure. This design choice not only promotes easy access but also fosters a sense of connectedness with the outdoors. The overall effect is one of openness, blending the building into the surrounding landscape.

Main Hall Configuration

At the center of the design is the main hall, which appears to float above the ground due to its steel framework. The hall is primarily lit by a glazed roof, allowing natural light to filter in, which alters the atmosphere throughout the day. The walls are painted white to enhance the light and shadow contrasts, creating a calm environment suitable for meditation.

User Experience

The layout emphasizes engagement with nature, with a narrow corridor surrounding the main hall that provides views of the landscape. Users can pause and enjoy the scenery, further enriching their experience. The connection to the outdoors enhances the tranquility within the space. Moments of contemplation arise from the interplay of light, space, and views, fostering a peaceful environment for reflection and relaxation. The design articulates a respect for both historical context and modern living, merging these elements into a cohesive experience.

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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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