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Heavy Stone Wall and Polycarbonate Roof Define a Meditative Retreat in Nature

Authors:
Yaqing Tu, Nicole Law
Heavy Stone Wall and Polycarbonate Roof Define a Meditative Retreat in Nature

Project in-detail

A heavy stone wall anchors a tranquil space topped with a polycarbonate roof, creating a unique refuge designed for meditation that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Heavy stone wall serves as a structural and symbolic anchor for the cabin.
02
Polycarbonate roof design allows diffused natural light while ensuring weather protection.
03
Open-plan layout promotes versatile meditation practices and fluid movement.
04
Local materials emphasize sustainability and regional character throughout the design.
05
Integration of large openings enhances views and fosters a strong connection with nature.
The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is an architectural project designed for the Earth Sanctuary site, located adjacent to a deep forest on a wide farm. This cabin serves as a meditation space, intended to facilitate a connection between visitors and their natural surroundings. The design emphasizes an immersive experience that encourages mindfulness and contemplation.

The meditation cabin features an open-plan layout that allows users to engage with the space flexibly. By removing traditional barriers, such as doors, the design enhances accessibility, creating an inviting environment for meditation. Large window openings framed in wood integrate the landscape, providing unobstructed views and allowing natural light to fill the interior. A prominent heavy stone wall serves as a foundational and symbolic feature, grounding the space and providing a sense of permanence.

Unique to this project is the use of materials that reflect the surrounding environment and prioritize sustainability. The exterior cladding is composed of locally sourced wood, which harmonizes with the natural setting. The roof, made of polycarbonate sheets, enables diffused daylight while ensuring weather protection. This careful selection of materials not only contributes to the cabin's aesthetic but also reinforces its ecological credentials.

Design Integration with Environment

The siting of the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin demonstrates a thoughtful approach to environmental integration. A meandering pathway guides visitors from the external landscape into the meditative space, creating a sensory transition that primes users for contemplation. The design respects the natural topography, allowing the building to respond to the existing landscape rather than dominating it.

The structural layout incorporates concrete foundation beams, ensuring stability while minimizing environmental impact. Structural plywood supports both the roof and walls, allowing for functional versatility within the open interior. The wooden flooring further enhances the tactile experience of the cabin, creating a comfortable environment conducive to meditation.

Architectural Philosophy and Unique Features

The architectural philosophy behind the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin relies heavily on the idea of aligning the built environment with its natural context. The absence of conventional entrances promotes fluidity in movement and accessibility, catering to a contemplative lifestyle. The architectural specifics, including the heavy stone wall and large openings, create a unique dialogue between the interior and exterior spaces, allowing nature to become an integral part of the users' experience.

The design exemplifies a commitment to minimalism and functionality while providing a space that encourages reflection and mindfulness. By prioritizing ecological materials and seamless integration with the landscape, the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin stands out among typical architectural projects.

For a comprehensive understanding of this project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs presented. These elements offer deeper insights into the architectural ideas that define the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin, reflecting a holistic approach to meditation space design.
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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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