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Louvered Timber Sanctuary Embracing Natural Surroundings for Contemplation

Author:
Dae beom Kong
Louvered Timber Sanctuary Embracing Natural Surroundings for Contemplation

Project in-detail

With its cantilevered louvered screens and a meditative altar perched on the rooftop, this cabin seamlessly blends natural materials and an introspective design to create a tranquil sanctuary for reflection and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin features unique louvered screens angled to filter light while maintaining privacy.
02
Rooftop altar offers an elevated space for contemplation, enhancing the user experience.
03
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for greater structural stability and sustainability.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide a distinctive finish while improving durability against environmental factors.
05
The bent A-frame design allows for dynamic interior spaces that promote a sense of openness and connection to nature.
The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin represents a focused architectural endeavor aimed at creating a serene environment for meditation and reflection. Nestled within a natural setting, this project is designed to foster a connection between the user and the surrounding landscape, facilitating an experience that blends contemplation with an appreciation for nature. The cabin functions as a dedicated space for meditation practices, incorporating essential areas such as instructor seating, meditation zones, and an altar space.

The design of the cabin is thoughtfully arranged to support its intended function, comprising various critical components that enhance both usability and the meditative experience. An inviting entrance serves as the first point of contact, leading practitioners into a realm that encourages stillness and introspection. Several designed seating areas are strategically positioned to enhance the meditation process and promote a sense of community during guided sessions. Additionally, the inclusion of stairs leading to a rooftop altar opens up opportunities for elevated reflection, providing users with a broader perspective of the landscape while they engage in spiritual contemplation.

Unique design approaches characterize the architectural elements of the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin. The outline of the structure features angular forms that embody the concept of an unstable mind, symbolizing the dynamic nature of human thoughts. This idea manifests in the arrangement of open faces that create an expansive environment, inviting users to explore while remaining focused on their inner dialogues. The architectural design not only facilitates meditation but also intertwines with the natural environment, as the cabin’s various openings direct the user’s gaze outward, framing views of the surrounding vegetation.

Materiality plays an integral role in the overall design and aesthetic of the cabin. The use of wood for the exterior cladding provides a natural warmth and complements the cabin's integration with its surroundings. Wood was selected for its durability and aesthetic appeal, contributing to a calming atmosphere conducive to meditation. Inside, engineered hardwood flooring enhances the sense of connection to nature while ensuring comfort during seated practices.

One notable aspect of the cabin's design involves the incorporation of louvered screens, which serve multiple purposes. These wooden louvers are oriented at an angle to balance light, privacy, and ventilation, allowing filtered sunlight to seep into the space while obscuring direct views. This design choice fosters an atmosphere of curiosity and exploration, inviting individuals to engage fully with their environment while still maintaining a sense of seclusion.

Light plays a crucial role in the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin, creating a dynamic interplay between illumination and shadow within the space. By manipulating natural light through the strategic positioning of openings, the design enhances the meditative qualities of the interior. Users are encouraged to experience the shifting atmosphere as sunlight changes throughout the day, fostering a contemplation of both the external landscape and personal thoughts.

The overall design of the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin effectively balances functionality with an exploratory spirit, resulting in a space that supports both individual meditative practices and communal experiences. Its architectural elements are carefully curated to provide a seamless connection to the natural surroundings, reinforcing the project's intent to serve as a sanctuary for reflection.

For more information on the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas behind the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Engaging with these details will provide deeper insights into the thoughtful design choices made throughout the development of this meditation cabin.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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