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Meditative Retreat with Vertical Wood Slats and Natural Light

Authors:
G. crystel Villafranca, William Valle-pinto
Meditative Retreat with Vertical Wood Slats and Natural Light

Project in-detail

Composed of vertical wood slats that harmonize with light and nature, the cabin facilitates a unique meditative experience designed for mindfulness and introspection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates an octagonal shape to enhance spatial perception and connection to nature.
02
Features vertical wood slats that filter sunlight and create dynamic interior lighting.
03
Offers dedicated meditation zones to support various mindfulness practices.
04
Utilizes glass panels for unobstructed views, merging inside and outside environments.
05
Incorporates natural materials to promote a sense of tranquility and harmony.

The Mauri Meditation Cabin is located in a peaceful natural environment, designed to offer a calming space for meditation and mindfulness practices. The cabin embodies the concept of "Mauri," which means life force and highlights the vital essence inherent in all living things. With its octagonal shape, the design fosters a strong connection between the users and their surroundings, encouraging both introspection and an appreciation of nature.

Conceptual Framework

The design is built around three main themes: grounding, clarity, and energy. The entrance serves as a thoughtful transition into the space, preparing visitors as they move into a mindful state. This careful planning creates an environment that supports reflection and inner peace.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the cabin is arranged into three distinct zones that guide users through their meditation experience. The central area focuses on clarity, providing a calm space that encourages concentration and self-reflection. Each section is designed to enable different activities and interactions, reinforcing the purpose of the cabin as a space for meditation.

Material Integration

The choice of materials plays an important role in enhancing the cabin's overall atmosphere. Vertical wood slats contribute to the structure while connecting it to the natural surroundings. Glass panels are used thoughtfully to invite natural light, creating a welcoming interior and helping to dissolve the boundary between inside and outside.

Design Details

Attention to light and shadow is evident in the way wooden elements and glass work together, creating a changing ambiance throughout the day. These design aspects are functional but also enrich the sensory experience, inviting users to immerse themselves in the meditative environment crafted within the cabin.

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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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