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Meditation retreat utilizing glulam beams and natural stone for harmonious forest integration

Author:
Nevis Isaj
Meditation retreat utilizing glulam beams and natural stone for harmonious forest integration

Project in-detail

Nestled within a serene forest, this meditation retreat features a distinctive angular roof crafted from glulam beams and a grounding meditation plinth made of locally sourced stone, creating a tranquil space that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The retreat’s architecture features a unique bent A-frame design that enhances structural integrity while allowing for expansive interior space.
02
Locally sourced stone for the meditation plinth not only grounds the structure but also reflects the surrounding geological features of the site.
03
Glulam beams are utilized in an innovative configuration, creating a visually dynamic roof that responds to environmental factors such as wind and snow load.
04
Large glass panels strategically positioned throughout the retreat maximize natural light and frame unobstructed views of the forest landscape.
05
The design incorporates passive ventilation techniques that utilize natural air currents, promoting a comfortable indoor climate year-round without mechanical systems.
The architectural project known as "Horizon" represents a thoughtful synthesis of form and function, integrating seamlessly into its serene forest surroundings. It serves as a retreat designed for reflection and connection with nature, promoting a sense of tranquility and introspection. The architectural layout emphasizes harmony with the environment, leveraging natural light, and showcasing the scenic vistas that characterize the locale.

The primary function of this design is to facilitate a space for meditation and relaxation, where visitors can escape the fast pace of everyday life. The project effectively utilizes the concept of the horizon as a metaphorical framework that guides occupants' experiences, merging the earthly and the ethereal. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in their surroundings, observing how the changing light and seasons influence their perception.

In examining the important components of the project, one can identify several key architectural elements. The exterior showcases dramatic angular rooflines and a variety of intersecting planes that create visual interest and enhance the overall aesthetic. A prominent feature of the structure is the use of glass panels that permit unobstructed views of the landscape while allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces. This transparency fosters a direct connection between users and the surrounding environment.

Materiality plays a crucial role in this architectural design. The project employs spruce wood for its natural warmth and durability, which complements the forest setting. The structure utilizes glulam, or glued laminated timber, known for its strength and versatility, to create the distinctive roof profile. Stone aggregates form the meditation plinth, grounding the architectural footprint within the landscape while providing a tactile, enduring element that encourages an intimate relationship with the earth.

The interior is equally considered, characterized by a welcoming atmosphere. Strategic placement of skylights allows light to illuminate the space, making the interior feel open and inviting. The central meditation plinth serves not only as a structural anchor but also as a focal point for reflection and tranquility, enhancing the exploit of the space.

Unique design approaches characterize "Horizon" by capitalizing on sustainable practices and environmental responsiveness. The project incorporates operable windows that promote natural airflow, reducing the need for mechanical ventilation and minimizing energy consumption. This attention to sustainability reflects a broader commitment to ecological mindfulness within architecture.

The architectural design asserts itself as a meditation on the relationship between built forms and the natural world. By focusing on sightlines and user experience, the project creates vistas that change with the time of day and the seasons, allowing occupants to engage dynamically with their environment. Each element of design represents a deliberate choice aimed at enhancing the connectivity between occupants and their surrounding landscape.

Overall, the "Horizon" project offers an insightful exploration of architectural ideas that resonate with nature. Those interested in further understanding the breadth of this project are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs presented. Engaging with the details of this project may inspire deeper insights into the balance of form, function, and the natural world in architectural practice.
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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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