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Meditation Cabin Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles in a Forest Setting

Authors:
Inhwan Tae, Mark Roh, Iris Kim
Meditation Cabin Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles in a Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Nestled among the trees, this meditation cabin elegantly combines cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, creating a sustainable retreat that harmonizes with its serene forest surroundings while offering a unique elevated living experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The cabin's elevated design allows for unobstructed views of the treetops, creating a seamless interaction with the forest canopy.
02
Its construction utilizes both cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, enhancing sustainability while providing a unique aesthetic.
03
The integration of a rainwater harvesting system helps minimize environmental impact and encourages self-sufficiency for occupants.
04
Flexible interior spaces are designed to adapt to various activities, from meditation to working, maximizing the utility of a compact footprint.
05
The use of super insulation techniques ensures energy efficiency, making the cabin comfortable year-round while maintaining a minimal ecological footprint.
The project at hand is a thoughtfully designed cabin situated in a tranquil forest setting. This architectural endeavor emphasizes a seamless integration between the built environment and nature, focusing on creating a retreat that serves as both a personal haven and a space for meditation. Envisioned as a modest yet functional structure, the cabin encapsulates the essence of minimalist living, promoting a sense of solitude and reflection.

The architectural design of this cabin is characterized by its elevation roughly four meters above the forest floor, a choice that not only enhances privacy but also minimizes the impact on the surrounding landscape. Importantly, this elevation allows the cabin to engage with the canopy and offer occupants uninterrupted views of the natural surroundings. The design fully utilizes its woodland location, providing an immersive experience where the boundaries between inside and outside blur, encouraging an interaction with the scenery that envelops the structure.

Functionally, the cabin serves multiple purposes that enhance the user experience. It is primarily conceived as a meditation retreat, but it also accommodates various activities, including reading, writing, and self-reflection. The interior layout is deliberately flexible, allowing users to adapt the space to their needs. Central to this flexibility is an open area that features large windows, fostering a connection to the outside world while inviting natural light into the cabin. This design promotes an inviting atmosphere and encourages occupants to engage with their surroundings fully.

Key elements of the interior include a versatile table that can be used for work or dining, ensuring that all aspects of daily life are catered to within this compact space. Additionally, the presence of a mezzanine sleeping area efficiently utilizes vertical space, providing a cozy and elevated retreat for rest. The inclusion of a small kitchenette allows for the preparation of light meals, underscoring the principles of self-sufficiency and sustainability that are inherent in the overall design philosophy.

The unique approach taken in the project is evident in its material choices and eco-friendly systems. The cabin prominently features sustainably sourced wood, specifically Latvia ash wood for internal paneling, which brings warmth and texture to the interior. The exterior is clad in charmed wood, chosen for its durability and resistance to moisture, adding to the longevity of the structure in a forested setting. The design also emphasizes energy efficiency through the integration of electrical radiant floor heating, solar panels for energy generation, and a rainwater collection system that purifies and stores water for household needs. The careful selection of materials not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the cabin but also aligns with environmental considerations.

Throughout the design, various architectural ideas are employed that reflect a deep respect for the environment. The construction avoids extensive ground disturbance and utilizes super insulation, ensuring that the cabin remains warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This thoughtful approach allows the cabin to function harmoniously within its natural surroundings, promoting sustainability while inviting occupants to partake in the beauty of the forest.

In essence, this project demonstrates how architecture can effectively merge functionality and environmental consciousness. The careful consideration of form, space, and materials results in a design that is both practical and beautifully integrated into its site. For readers interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this project and exploring the detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs that illustrate these concepts, further investigation into the project presentation is encouraged.
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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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