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Metal Stove and Rain Collector Enhance Meditative Experience in Nature Retreat

Author:
Santiago Arizcun
Metal Stove and Rain Collector Enhance Meditative Experience in Nature Retreat

Project in-detail

A metal stove and rain collector create a unique interaction of elements in a meditation cabin designed for isolation and deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design includes a dedicated area for aromatherapy using a vaporizer.
02
Heat from the metal stove is directed into an upper rain collector.
03
Large windows create a waterfall effect during rainfall, integrating interior and exterior.
04
Orientation aligns with natural pathways, promoting expansive views of the landscape.
05
The cabin uses effective insulation to maintain comfort while minimizing energy use.

The ARCA Meditation Cabin presents a strong relationship between human experience and the natural world. Located within a landscape centered on ecological preservation, the cabin acts as a retreat for meditation and personal reflection. The design emphasizes privacy while still connecting occupants to nature, featuring two primary spaces: one for complete isolation and another to facilitate interaction with the surrounding ecosystem. With its simple box shape, the design reflects a focus on clarity and function, while also addressing the challenges of varying weather conditions.

Spatial Organization

The cabin's layout encourages exploration of the natural pathways surrounding it, urging occupants to move away from typical straight routes. This approach not only enhances spatial awareness but also helps individuals appreciate their environment more deeply. Inside, specific areas are dedicated to meditation, offering solitude while allowing for views of the natural world. Ample natural light enters through large openings, creating a pleasant atmosphere throughout the day.

Environmental Integration

Comfort and sustainability are key elements throughout the design, especially in response to changing weather patterns. A central heating system provides warmth, complemented by effective insulation to reduce energy waste. Integrated solutions manage temperature and airflow naturally, working with the environment to maintain a comfortable interior climate. Aromatherapy through a vaporizer enriches the sensory experience, reinforcing a commitment to overall well-being.

Natural Features

Weather influences various functional aspects of the cabin. A metal stove not only heats the space but also creates an optimal environment for vaporizing flower essences, which enhances the meditative experience. The stove’s interaction with an upper rain collector allows for effective water management. During rainfall, excess water cascades down, creating a waterfall visible through expansive windows, which connect indoor and outdoor spaces. The water collection also serves local wildlife, highlighting the design's attention to ecological impact.

The careful consideration of water, heat, and light culminates in a design that fosters meditation and relaxation. By placing importance on natural elements and their interactions, the cabin connects deeply with its surroundings while offering a place for personal reflection.

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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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