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Hexagonal Retreat Emphasizing Natural Brown Tones in a Forest Environment

Authors:
Sante Gornes, Mario Cantu, Karina Lozano, Gabriel Gornes
Hexagonal Retreat Emphasizing Natural Brown Tones in a Forest Environment

Project in-detail

The hexagonal structure, inspired by the form of a pinecone, harmonizes with natural brown tones and encourages forest bathing, serving as a peaceful retreat for meditation and therapy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the shape of a pinecone for ecological integration.
02
Hexagonal layout enhances energy capture and spatial flow.
03
Meditation areas designed to promote tranquility and reflection.
04
Pathways designed for forest bathing to enrich mindfulness practices.
05
Natural light features create dynamic interior atmospheres throughout the day.

The Pinecone Cabin project is located in the scenic Vale de Moses, surrounded by mountains, green valleys, and flowing rivers. It is designed to foster a connection between people and nature, focusing on wellbeing and personal growth. Drawing from the natural form of a pinecone, the design aims to blend into the environment, creating a space that encourages reflection and healing.

Design Concept
The concept centers around the pinecone, which symbolizes growth and vitality. The form of the cabin mirrors the characteristics of the pinecone, while the overall geometry is defined by overlapping triangles. This arrangement creates a six-point star, which connects to the Flower of Life, representing the interconnectedness found in nature. The base of the cabin takes on a hexagonal shape, reflecting the structures seen in crystals, emphasizing energy capture that plays a role in the site’s ecological context.

Spatial Organization
Inside, the layout is carefully designed to support mental clarity and tranquility. Spaces specifically for meditation and therapy are included, encouraging deeper introspection and emotional healing. Each area is arranged to enhance a sense of peace, which aligns with the intention to promote self-discovery in a calm setting. Natural light plays a vital role here, with a strategically placed top window allowing sunlight to illuminate the space, creating a warm atmosphere that shifts throughout the day.

Nature Integration
The pathways surrounding the cabins are created for "forest bathing," inviting individuals to engage with nature fully. These green paths are meant to refresh the mind and body, enhancing the experience for those involved in therapeutic practices. The design of these routes reflects a deep understanding of how physical spaces can influence well-being, enriching the overall experience of being in the environment.

The Pinecone Cabin exemplifies a thoughtful approach to its natural surroundings, with spaces dedicated to personal growth and reflection. It uses geometric forms and natural light to create a sense of connection with the landscape. Intricate patterns and light play within the interior further enhance the experience, making the cabin a quiet retreat where people can explore their thoughts and feelings.

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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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