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Latticework Pavilion Crafted from Sustainable Timber with a Natural Integration in the Forest Landscape

Authors:
Victor Schelechow, Christopher Moore
Latticework Pavilion Crafted from Sustainable Timber with a Natural Integration in the Forest Landscape

Project in-detail

Crafted with a timber-lattice exterior and designed for optimal passive solar heating, this meditative retreat harmoniously integrates into the native bush while providing a serene space for reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with a timber-lattice facade that allows for optimal light diffusion and ventilation.
02
Incorporates passive solar strategies to enhance energy efficiency throughout the year.
03
Features a central oculus that illuminates the interior, creating a focal point for contemplation.
04
Utilizes locally sourced materials to reinforce environmental sustainability and regional character.
05
Design prioritizes a seamless transition between interior spaces and the surrounding natural environment.
The Kiwi Burrow is an architectural project located in New Zealand, designed primarily as a meditation cabin. This project embodies a contemporary interpretation of a natural form, drawing inspiration from the burrow of the kiwi bird. The intention is to create a reflective space that promotes tranquility and a close relationship with the surrounding environment.

The Kiwi Burrow serves as a meditative retreat, allowing individuals to escape the demands of everyday life. Its design highlights a fluid, organic structure that integrates seamlessly with the forest landscape, emphasizing both protection and openness. The cabin is intended to foster introspection while creating a connection with nature.

Structural Design and Materiality

The design features an innovative timber-lattice skin, which provides a natural façade while allowing for ample daylight and ventilation. The lattice design serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural system, shields the interior from intense sunlight, and contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal. The use of locally sourced timber enhances sustainability and ensures cohesion with the geographic context. Transparency is achieved through strategically positioned glass elements, offering unobstructed views of the external environment.

Key features of the Kiwi Burrow include an oculus at the apex, which allows natural light to flood the interior and creates a distinctive focal point. The structure's contours emulate natural forms, enhancing its integration within the landscape. The attention to sun orientation is paramount; the design promotes passive solar heating during the colder months and ensures a cool atmosphere in warmer seasons.

Innovative Approaches to Design

The architectural approach taken in The Kiwi Burrow departs from conventional design methodologies by emphasizing biophilic principles. The seamless transition from interior to exterior spaces is a deliberate choice, facilitating a sensory experience that deepens occupants' connection to nature. The layout promotes communal interaction while retaining personal space for meditation, effectively balancing functionality and experience.

The use of CNC-cut panels allows for precision in fabrication, enabling complex geometries that reinforce the vision of the project. This method enhances the efficiency of material use while contributing to the overall sustainability goals of the design.

In summary, The Kiwi Burrow stands as a thoughtfully designed meditation cabin that merges architecture with nature. Its innovative structural approach and material choices set it apart from typical vacation retreats, providing a unique space for reflection and connection to the natural world. To gain deeper insights into this project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further.
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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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