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Meditative Cabins with Clay Plaster and Spruce Cladding in Natural Harmony

Authors:
Jan tomas Cieśla, Martina Košařová, Tadeáš Hlaváček
Meditative Cabins with Clay Plaster and Spruce Cladding in Natural Harmony

Project in-detail

Constructed with clay plaster and spruce cladding, the cabins offer a serene environment for meditation, blending seamlessly into the forest while embodying principles of sacred geometry.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with clay plaster for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Features a green roof that integrates with the surrounding environment.
03
Incorporates sacred geometry as a foundational design principle.
04
Cabins emphasize minimal distractions to promote deep meditation.
05
Strategic placement allows for natural light and forest views.

The project focuses on the creation of meditative cabins located within a forested area. It aims to provide spaces for silent meditation, offering tranquility and an opportunity for mental clarity. Inspired by sacred geometry, the design incorporates symbols like the Mandala of Life, Seed of Life, and Vesica Piscis. These elements influence the layout and enhance the experiences of those using the cabins. The placement of each cabin is done with care to reduce distractions, allowing individuals to better connect with both their inner selves and the natural environment around them.

Conceptual Framework

Sacred geometry serves as the backbone of the design concept. The symbols used throughout the project are more than decorative; they guide the entire layout and create a meaningful connection to the users. The Mandala and Seed of Life represent unity and the essence of creation, further enriching the environment. This philosophical base encourages users to focus on reflection and mindfulness, fostering a deeper state of meditation.

Materials and Sustainability

Attention to materials is an important aspect of the design. Spruce cladding is used on the cabin facades, helping to harmonize the buildings with the surrounding trees. Clay plaster is applied to the interior walls, offering a natural feel and smooth texture. Spruce plywood is selected for structural elements, delivering both durability and warmth to the spaces. By choosing these materials, the design emphasizes a strong connection to nature and supports the overall calm atmosphere.

Functional Layout

Inside each cabin, various spaces are designed to facilitate meditation and daily activities. The layout includes dedicated meditation areas, sleeping quarters, and essential facilities such as a kitchen and dry storage. This arrangement aims to keep the space organized and free from clutter, allowing users to focus on their meditation practice. Features such as green roofs and rooflights are also part of the design, which not only enhance energy efficiency but also bring natural light into the indoor spaces.

Aesthetics and Environment

The overall appearance of the cabins reflects a simple and minimal approach. Smooth edges and a thoughtful relationship with the landscape create a sense of peace. The interplay of light and shadow from the rooflights adds visual interest, drawing the occupants’ gaze toward the outdoors. Natural sounds, like birds chirping and leaves rustling, create an immersive experience that enhances the atmosphere, making the cabins suitable for contemplation and relaxation.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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