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Meditation Retreat Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles in a Forested Setting

Authors:
Juan antonio Ramos, Montserrat Robles, Leticia Compean
Meditation Retreat Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles in a Forested Setting

Project in-detail

Nestled within a tranquil forest, this meditation retreat seamlessly integrates cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, providing a mindful space designed for reflection and harmony with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The use of cross-laminated timber panels enhances structural stability while providing superior insulation against temperature fluctuations.
02
Charred wooden shingles are employed as a natural weatherproofing method, giving the exterior a unique texture and reducing maintenance needs.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while allowing for expansive glass openings that frame views of the surrounding forest landscape.
04
Modular construction allows each cabin to be easily customized and reconfigured based on the specific site and user preferences.
05
The elevated platform design minimizes ecological disruption, allowing for natural vegetation to thrive underneath the structure.
The project in focus, known as the Forest Cabins, represents a thoughtful response to the growing need for retreat spaces that foster a connection between individuals and the natural world. As an architectural endeavor, it aims to provide a sanctuary for reflection and relaxation, enabling users to immerse themselves in the tranquility of forested environments. The design captures the essence of minimalism, embracing simplicity while thoughtfully integrating with its surroundings.

Functionally, the Forest Cabins serve as modular retreats that can be placed in various forested locations, where they enhance the user experience while minimizing environmental impact. Each cabin is designed to facilitate meditation and introspection, providing essential amenities along with thoughtfully designed spaces that prioritize comfort and usability. The interior layout is efficiently planned to comprise multiple areas for relaxation, cooking, and bathing, ensuring that each cabin meets the basic needs of its occupants while allowing for a tranquil atmosphere.

Key elements of the design include the use of sustainable materials such as wood composites, which provide warmth and a natural aesthetic. Structural features like large glass panels are strategically incorporated to maximize natural light and blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. This configuration allows occupants to enjoy unobstructed views of the forest, enhancing the overall sense of immersion in nature. The cabins are elevated on metal supports, which not only mitigate the ecological footprint but also adapt to the varying topography of the forest floor.

A unique aspect of this project lies in its modular construction approach. Each cabin is comprised of interchangeable components that can be easily configured to adapt to different sites and user preferences. This flexibility allows for a more personalized experience, allowing future users to have input in how the cabin can best serve their needs. The exterior finishes are thoughtfully selected, resonating with the natural landscape, which together fosters an environment encouraging rest and reflection.

The architecture exhibits a careful balance between human needs and environmental stewardship. The layout and design reflect an understanding of passive environmental considerations, such as solar orientation and natural ventilation, promoting sustainability without compromising comfort. The seamless integration of indoor spaces with the surrounding natural world invites users to appreciate the beauty of their environment while providing a sense of refuge.

For those interested in exploring this project further, detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs present the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the innovative concepts behind the Forest Cabins. By delving into these resources, readers can appreciate the meticulous thought that has shaped this endeavor, further highlighting the relationship between architecture, design, and nature. Exploring the intricacies of this project could inspire similar architectural ideas that harmonize personal well-being with the environment.
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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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