Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Natural Wood and One-Way Glass Cabin Emphasizing Mindful Engagement With Surroundings

Authors:
Anissa Dipa, Carla Aurellia, Chelsea Gracelyn
Natural Wood and One-Way Glass Cabin Emphasizing Mindful Engagement With Surroundings

Project in-detail

The combination of one-way glass and natural wood in a cabin by a lake creates a tranquil space designed for meditation and mindfulness, fostering a deep connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin incorporates one-way glass for privacy while maintaining views of the lake.
02
A parametric design is used for the wooden elements, enhancing visual interest and function.
03
The open first-floor layout promotes a direct connection with the surrounding nature.
04
Wood and steel are exclusively used in construction, ensuring a durable yet natural aesthetic.
05
Layered wooden components on the upper floor create depth and adaptability in the space.

The Polyxible Cabin is a meditation retreat located by a calm lake, designed to enhance the experience of mindfulness and relaxation. The setting captures the tranquil qualities of nature, supporting the purpose of the space. The design concept aims to change the perception of meditation, transforming it from a routine task into an engaging journey. By merging human activity with the environment, the cabin offers a flexible space that meets the varied needs of its users.

Spatial Organization

The cabin showcases an open layout on the first floor that strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large windows offer unobstructed views of the lake and allow light to fill the interior. This layout encourages users to immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings, reinforcing the goal of promoting a meditative atmosphere.

Materials and Structure

The construction of the cabin primarily uses wood and a steel frame, chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal. The wooden elements follow a parametric design, with pieces arranged in a thoughtful manner to create an engaging visual effect. This design approach enhances both the appearance and functionality of the space, allowing for various meditation practices.

Design Features

A notable feature of the cabin is the use of one-way glass on the second floor. This glass provides privacy while still enabling views of the lake, maintaining a connection to the natural world. The transparency of this section invites light into the space, creating an open feel. Additionally, the wooden layers on the upper level are placed at different heights, adding depth and complexity to the design while allowing the space to adapt to different uses.

These design elements work together to respond to the growing interest in meditation and wellness. The combination of wood, light, and views creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages engagement with nature, supporting a renewed focus on meditation within the context of modern living.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy