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Natural Brown and White Spaces in a Mindful Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Emilie Danel, Nina Gogina
Natural Brown and White Spaces in a Mindful Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

With an emphasis on natural brown and white materials, the design integrates mindfulness and cultural practices through dedicated meditation spaces, creating a tranquil retreat that resonates with its surrounding landscapes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Emphasizes mindfulness through dedicated meditation paths and spaces.
02
Integrates local larch in the façade for environmental harmony.
03
Utilizes polycarbonate to maximize natural light and visual connection.
04
Incorporates cultural practices, such as the tea ceremony, into daily routines.
05
Features views strategically aligned to enhance the experience of nature.

The project in Ozolini reflects a deep understanding of its diverse natural surroundings. It focuses on the concept of "Genius Loci," which translates to the spirit of the place. Set amidst farms, meadows, fields, forests, and lakes, the design aims to create spaces that enhance the connection between people and nature. The intention is to offer areas for meditation, reflection, and interaction with the environment.

Spatial Composition

The layout includes various functional areas designed for specific activities such as writing, sleeping, and meditation. Each space is carefully placed to maximize the experience of the outdoors. Large openings allow views of the surrounding landscape, inviting occupants to engage with nature. This thoughtful arrangement promotes tranquility and encourages contemplation.

Material Palette

While the project does not go into great detail about materials, several key elements support its design intent. Polycarbonate is used for its ability to let natural light in while connecting interior spaces to the outside world. Strong beams ensure the structure's stability without overshadowing the design. The façade features local larch, which creates a visual harmony with the environment and aligns with sustainability goals.

Design Details

Patterns found in nature play a significant role in the overall aesthetic. The use of fractals informs the design’s symmetry and reinforces the visual connection to the landscape. Cultural elements, such as the tea ceremony, are integrated into the living spaces, enriching the everyday experiences of the occupants.

Natural Integration

The composition effectively highlights the need for a relationship with nature. Curated views and thoughtfully designed spaces encourage deep immersion in the surrounding landscape. This connection is particularly evident in the outdoor meditation areas, where nature wraps around the user, fostering an environment conducive to reflection and peace.

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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