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Natural Light and Color-Coded Spaces in an Open Meditation Cab

Author:
Jason Earnest
Natural Light and Color-Coded Spaces in an Open Meditation Cab

Project in-detail

A meditation cab filled with natural light and defined by color-coded spaces offers a serene retreat, fostering mindfulness within a carefully organized open layout.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building incorporates a meditation cab designed to be entirely open, enhancing light penetration.
02
Large skylights are strategically placed to maximize natural illumination throughout the day.
03
The spatial layout distinctly separates public and private zones using a color-coded system.
04
Windows on both sides provide cross-ventilation and direct views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Natural materials like wood and glass are used to create a calming and inviting atmosphere.

The architectural design prioritizes a strong connection between the structure and nature, creating an environment that encourages openness and interaction. Located in a setting that highlights this principle, the building features a large open room designed for social engagement, allowing natural light and external elements to enter freely. The overall concept emphasizes accessibility and a sense of flow, making it inviting for all who use the space.

Design Concept

A prominent skylight integrated into the roof serves as a core feature of the design. It allows an abundance of natural light to fill the central area, enhancing the room's spaciousness and creating a warm atmosphere. In addition, windows on either side of the building contribute to natural ventilation, which improves air quality and keeps the environment comfortable. These openings also visually link the interior with the landscape outside.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the building clearly distinguishes between public and private areas. Public zones are marked in blue while red indicates private spaces. This thoughtful organization allows for various interactions among users, supporting community activities but also providing opportunities for quiet and personal reflection. An open corridor at the entrance reinforces the ease of access and ensures that entering the building feels welcoming.

Unique Features

The design includes a meditation cab, a space designed to be open and filled with light. This area focuses on mindfulness and offers a place for contemplation within the larger setting. The lack of traditional doors throughout the structure enhances the feeling of openness, allowing for an easy transition between indoor areas and the outdoors, enabling nature to become part of the experience.

Materiality and Sustainability

Wooden and glass panels are used throughout the building, reinforcing connections with nature and maintaining a visual continuity. These materials not only enhance the aesthetics but also align with environmentally friendly design practices. They contribute to passive climate control, making the space comfortable while respecting the environment. Natural light plays off these surfaces, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.

The design integrates indoor spaces with the natural surroundings, allowing sunlight to stream through the skylight while maintaining a sense of calm and connection to the outside world.

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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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