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Laminated Timber Retreat with Integrated Pulley System for Meditation

Author:
Artur Szewczyk
Laminated Timber Retreat with Integrated Pulley System for Meditation

Project in-detail

A circular skylight and a pulley-operated altar enhance the laminated timber cabin's design, creating an optimal environment for meditation while promoting a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Laminated timber structure enhances structural strength and thermal efficiency.
02
Circular skylight facilitates natural light and air circulation.
03
Retractable shades provide adjustable sun control for meditation.
04
Pulley-operated altar allows for flower essence extraction during sessions.
05
Designed for group meditation, accommodating up to five occupants comfortably.

The Kiwi Meditation Cabin is designed to provide a tranquil space for meditation and contemplation in a calming natural environment. Its overall concept focuses on creating a connection between its occupants and the surrounding landscape. The cabin serves as a place for guided meditation, as well as offering flexibility for other activities while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.

Design Concept

The cabin's design emphasizes a strong connection between interior and exterior spaces. Its circular layout helps users engage closely with one another while allowing for personal moments of reflection. By incorporating large windows and an open roof, the space draws in natural light and keeps the experience grounded in the environment.

Comfort and Functionality

User comfort is central to the design. Large operable windows around the cabin permit fresh air to circulate, creating a refreshing atmosphere. A roof window enables hot air to rise and escape, preventing the space from becoming stuffy. Furthermore, retractable shades integrated into the roof structure allow occupants to control sunlight levels, supporting a comfortable environment for those meditating.

Materials and Construction

The materials chosen for the cabin enhance its functionality and aesthetics. Laminated timber from Techlam is used for key structural elements, providing strength and support. The walls and roof feature an aluminum-framed double-glazed system, which improves insulation. The interior flooring consists of laminated beams with PIR insulation, ensuring energy efficiency while offering stability.

Unique Design Features

Among the cabin's clever details is an altar for flower essence extraction, designed to be lowered with a pulley system. This allows for practical usage without disrupting meditation. The foundation uses treated timber piles set into concrete footings, ensuring stability while accommodating the natural drainage of the site.

The circular skylight positioned above invites natural light into the cabin while serving as a source for ventilation. It also encourages reflection, adding to the contemplative experience within the space.

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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

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