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Natural Light and Wood Facade in a Sustainable Meditation Retreat

Author:
Emiliano Ruidiaz
Natural Light and Wood Facade in a Sustainable Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

With its strategic use of OSB and a wood facade that enhances natural light, the retreat fosters a peaceful environment for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes OSB for structural integrity and efficiency.
02
Features a wood facade that enhances thermal performance.
03
Incorporates solar technology for seasonal temperature control.
04
Maximizes natural light through strategically placed windows.
05
Designed to foster both solitude and community interaction.

"Refuge of Simple Life" is a project that emphasizes the relationship between meditation and nature, located in a tranquil setting that encourages reflection. The design focuses on the balance between connection and disconnection, creating spaces where people can escape from the demands of everyday life while also engaging deeply with their environment. The architecture responds thoughtfully to its surroundings, promoting a sense of peace.

Concept and Philosophy

The core idea centers around meditation as a way to experience both solitude and community. The design lays out spaces that allow for easy movement between quiet areas meant for personal reflection and sections designed for social interactions. This blend is vital to the experience, enabling a strong connection to nature and the self.

Materiality and Construction

Materials chosen for "Refuge of Simple Life" significantly influence both its function and appearance. Oriented strand board, or OSB, is used for its strength and light weight, providing a solid foundation. The wood facade not only brings warmth to the building's exterior but also helps with temperature control. Additionally, the use of moisture barriers and insulation maintains a comfortable indoor environment, while wiring and plasterboard offer modern conveniences without taking away from the architecture's overall character.

Environmental Responsiveness

Attention to seasonal changes characterizes the design, particularly through the use of solar energy. The building heats itself in winter and cools down in summer, showcasing an effective response to environmental conditions. This adaptability to the climate enhances user comfort and aligns with sustainable practices, highlighting a thoughtful integration of the structure with its natural setting.

Spatial Experience and Aesthetics

Images of the project reveal a close relationship between the building and the landscape. The design adopts a minimalist approach that promotes calmness and simplicity, emphasizing natural light and shadow patterns within the interior spaces. Windows are strategically placed to provide clear views of nature, making the outdoors a key part of the experience.

Open areas invite sunlight in, creating a welcoming atmosphere for meditation and introspection. Each space is designed to foster a sense of tranquility, making it easier for users to connect with themselves and their surroundings.

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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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