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Meditative Space Crafted with Birch and Polycarbonate Panels

Authors:
Catherine Ladrie, Pauline Bereault
Meditative Space Crafted with Birch and Polycarbonate Panels

Project in-detail

Constructed with birch wood and illuminated by polycarbonate panels, the space creates a tranquil environment designed for meditation and self-reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with birch wood for natural warmth and durability.
02
Features concealed housing devices behind sliding panels for adaptability.
03
Utilizes translucent polycarbonate panels to optimize natural light.
04
Designed to facilitate user-driven space modification based on needs.
05
Promotes a strong connection between interior tranquility and exterior environment.

KAI's Box offers a thoughtful design that aims to foster personal reflection and well-being. Located in a setting conducive to meditation, the structure features a modular design that prioritizes flexibility and user interaction. The concept encourages a connection with the environment while providing a peaceful space for self-discovery.

Modular Framework

The design begins with a basic geometric form that expands and changes throughout the project. This allows for a versatile space that can serve many different functions. By breaking down traditional architectural elements, KAI's Box creates a system that is both efficient and adaptable. The use of prefabricated panels helps facilitate quick assembly on site, ensuring that the construction process flows smoothly while keeping the overall design intact.

Spatial Flexibility

Inside, the design incorporates unfolding planes, enhancing the usability of the main areas. Concealed behind sliding panels and folding walls, housing devices provide a clean, uncluttered look. This careful arrangement allows users to navigate and adjust the space according to their needs. It promotes a dynamic relationship between people and their surroundings.

Material Considerations

The choice of materials is crucial to the overall experience. Birch wood is used throughout the interior, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. This natural material helps connect the inside to the outside, reinforcing the sense of calm. The wood’s texture contributes to the meditative qualities of the space, creating a harmonious setting for reflection.

Illuminating the Atmosphere

Translucent polycarbonate panels are strategically placed to maximize natural light. This allows for gentle diffusion that enhances the mood within the interior. The way light interacts with materials enriches the overall experience, guiding occupants as they engage with the space.

The exterior finishing emphasizes simplicity. The smooth cladding integrates with the building’s form, creating a unified appearance. This approach removes barriers between inside and outside, inviting a feeling of openness. The design speaks to a broader idea of wellness, elevating the experience for those who enter.

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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

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