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Plexiglass Retreat Surrounded by Nature for Mindful Practices

Author:
Jiri Trojan
Plexiglass Retreat Surrounded by Nature for Mindful Practices

Project in-detail

Constructed with plexiglass and wooden frames, the cabin offers a harmonious space for meditation within the immersive landscape of the New Zealand bush, prioritizing a deep connection to nature and mindfulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with plexiglass for natural light and views.
02
Dedicated area for processing flower essences from local plants.
03
Includes a small altar to enhance the meditation experience.
04
Open terrace facilitates direct engagement with the surrounding nature.
05
Utilizes precision-engineered wooden frames for structural integrity.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is located in a peaceful clearing within the New Zealand bush, designed to provide a refuge for meditation and relaxation. It focuses on connecting people to nature through its thoughtful design. The concept behind the cabin encourages tranquility and mindfulness while integrating the natural landscape with the built environment.

Spatial Arrangement

The cabin features a clear balance between enclosed and open areas. About two-thirds of the structure is covered with plexiglass sheets, allowing sunlight to brighten the interior while keeping it protected from inclement weather. This enclosed area serves multiple functions, acting as a meditation space and a workspace for processing flower essences from local plants. A small altar is included to create a focused and contemplative atmosphere.

Outdoor Engagement

The remaining one-third of the cabin is an open terrace that connects guests directly to the landscape. This outdoor space encourages visitors to engage with the surrounding nature, offering a place for quiet reflection or group meditations in the open air. The combination of covered and open areas creates a versatile environment, accommodating both communal practices and individual moments of solitude.

Construction Techniques

The structure’s strength is achieved through well-designed wooden elements. The use of wooden frames and window constructions adds to the stability of the cabin. Wooden glued frames crafted with CNC milling technology ensure precision while maintaining an appealing appearance. These building methods contribute to the quality of the overall structure and reinforce its connection with the natural surroundings.

Materiality and Texture

Careful choices in materials enhance the cabin's design. The wooden frames and plexiglass play essential roles in creating warmth and openness. The design includes a wooden deck that extends the usable space for outdoor activities, allowing users to engage more fully with their environment. These elements reflect a design philosophy that values ecological sensitivity and user experience, emphasizing the importance of nature in promoting 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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