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Nest-Like Structures of ThermoWood Within a Serene Meditation Retreat

Authors:
massud wahdattalab, sepehr amer
Nest-Like Structures of ThermoWood Within a Serene Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Suspended among trees, the serene green ring of this retreat utilizes ThermoWood to create nesting-like spaces that foster meditation and mindfulness within a thoughtfully integrated natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended structures mimic natural nests, enhancing the connection to the surrounding trees.
02
ThermoWood is utilized for its durability and ecological benefits in the retreat's construction.
03
Large windows are strategically placed for optimal natural light while framing landscape views.
04
The green ring serves both as a physical buffer and a symbolic barrier to distractions.
05
Meditation spaces are designed with acoustics in mind, promoting a quiet and reflective environment.

### Overview
Located within a serene natural context, the Stone Barn Meditation Camp serves as a dedicated space for meditation and mindfulness. Its primary intent is to facilitate a deep connection with nature while promoting personal tranquility. The design strives to create an environment that fosters peaceful reflection and enhances the meditation experience through a thoughtful integration of architecture and landscape.

### Spatial Configuration and Interaction
The camp features a carefully organized layout divided into three distinct zones: the Residential Zone, Green Ring Zone, and Meditation Zones. The Residential Zone incorporates ThermoWood, chosen for its durability and psychological benefits, while large windows allow ample natural light. The Green Ring Zone consists of organic structures that mimic the form of nests, encouraging users to engage with the surrounding environment and providing spaces for meditation amidst trees. The Meditation Zones offer private areas designed to minimize distractions, ensuring an optimal setting for individual practice.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
A diverse range of materials has been selected to enhance both aesthetic quality and structural performance. ThermoWood is widely employed for its ecological benefits, while steel and glass provide essential support and transparency in various architectural elements. Natural stone contributes to the camp's rustic aesthetic, offering stability alongside an eco-friendly insulation system to promote energy efficiency. This focus on sustainable practices reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility and aligns with biophilic design principles that enhance occupant well-being.

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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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