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Lantern-Inspired Retreat With Recycled Timber and Translucent Membrane

Authors:
Yeong yee Yeoh, Minjie Liang
Lantern-Inspired Retreat With Recycled Timber and Translucent Membrane

Project in-detail

Crafted with a timber grid and enveloped in a retractable translucent membrane, this meditation cabin serves as a lantern in the forest, providing a serene space for introspection and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted as a lantern, the cabin lights up at night, enhancing its connection to the surrounding forest.
02
The design features a layered structure that provides both openness and privacy for users.
03
A retractable translucent membrane allows for adjustable light levels and environmental connection.
04
The cabin incorporates spaces for both meditation and flower essence production, catering to holistic practices.
05
Recycled timber is utilized to minimize environmental impact while contributing to the cabin's warm aesthetic.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is located in the Earth Energies Sanctuary, a serene spot in New Zealand. Its primary purpose is to provide a space for individuals to meditate and connect with nature. The design embodies the concept of a lantern, guiding visitors with its soft light while enhancing their experience in a peaceful setting. This simple yet effective design promotes reflection and tranquility away from daily distractions.

Design Concept

The cabin is thoughtfully placed at the center of the sanctuary, surrounded by tall trees. This location allows it to act as a guiding light, drawing visitors in. The structure focuses on the relationship between the cabin and its natural surroundings. Its layered design emphasizes both openness and protection, making it a safe area for contemplation.

Spatial Organization

The cabin is arranged over two levels, each serving different functions. The ground floor is welcoming, designed for both people and wildlife. It gives a sense of comfort and shelter, encouraging relaxation. In contrast, the upper level is dedicated to meditation and the production of flower essences. This division of space enhances the ability to focus on spiritual practices while maintaining a connection with the environment.

Materiality and Structural Approach

The main construction material is recycled timber, chosen for its sustainability. This decision aligns with the cabin’s purpose of creating a low impact on the environment. The timber structure allows natural light to fill the spaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The outer layer features a retractable translucent membrane. This membrane offers privacy and lets in light while keeping the feeling of being outside.

Unique Features

Several features encourage interaction with the surrounding nature. The timber grid acts as a framework for growing plants as well as a defining architectural element. This allows for the cultivation of flower essences within the cabin while enhancing the sensory experience for visitors. At night, this setup makes the cabin glow softly, creating a comforting presence in the dark landscape. It becomes a source of warmth, inviting people to step inside and pause for reflection.

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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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