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Moss-Covered Walls Integrate Water Features for Tranquil Meditation Space

Authors:
Justyna Kościółek, Katarzyna Skibińska
Moss-Covered Walls Integrate Water Features for Tranquil Meditation Space

Project in-detail

Moss-covered walls and integrated water features create a serene environment that enhances the meditative experience in a self-sufficient structure designed for personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Moss-covered walls enhance acoustic comfort and connect users to nature.
02
Lotus-filled water basins are integrated for both aesthetics and relaxation.
03
Elevated platforms provide panoramic views and a sense of openness.
04
Natural ventilation systems promote airflow and energy efficiency.
05
A bio-fireplace creates warmth and ambiance within the meditative space.

MIMESIS serves as a sanctuary for personal reflection and meditation, deeply tied to natural elements. Located in a peaceful setting, the design encourages interaction with the surroundings while fostering a sense of inner calm. It is grounded in the principles of five elements: air, ether, water, earth, and fire, providing a cohesive experience that enhances its purpose.

Spatial Organization

The layout of MIMESIS clearly separates public and private areas while promoting an open flow. Elevated platforms encourage users to look toward the sky, fostering a sense of freedom and connection to the environment. This thoughtful arrangement allows for smooth transitions between the indoors and outdoors, enhancing engagement with nature.

Water Elements

Water features play a significant role in enhancing the sensory experience within the cabin. Basins filled with lotus flowers add to the calming environment and incorporate the soothing sounds of flowing water. This focus on water not only enriches the atmosphere but also connects with the themes of purification and relaxation.

Materiality

Materials used in MIMESIS emphasize sustainability and a connection to the earth. Internal walls are coated with moss and clay, creating a tactile experience that links users to their surroundings. These materials contribute to the overall aesthetic and encourage a deeper relationship with nature, allowing individuals to truly feel the environment.

Ambiance and Lighting

A bio-fireplace located within the relaxation area adds warmth and light, enhancing the atmosphere of the cabin. It serves both practical and symbolic purposes by providing heat and contributing to the inviting quality of the space. The interaction between light and warmth underscores the earthy aesthetic and supports the meditative function of the environment.

Natural light flows through well-placed openings, adapting to the changing patterns of the day. This design choice links the space to the shifting environment outside while accentuating the organic shapes of the structure. Each moment brings a different quality of light, enriching the overall experience and grounding users in both time and place.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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