Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Plywood Sanctuary Integrated with Natural Light for Mindful Retreat

Author:
Julia Medina
Plywood Sanctuary Integrated with Natural Light for Mindful Retreat

Project in-detail

Crafted from plywood and positioned to capture optimal natural light, the meditation cabin serves as a private retreat that fosters mindfulness and a deep connection to its surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from plywood, optimizing both lightweight construction and aesthetic warmth.
02
Features a flexible interior that allows for multifunctional use, adapting to various activities.
03
Incorporates expansive glass surfaces to enhance daylighting and promote indoor-outdoor connectivity.
04
Designed to maximize southern sunlight exposure for energy efficiency and comfort.
05
The cabin is integrated within a network of similar structures, promoting community interaction.

The Ozolini Teamakers Meditation Cabin is a carefully designed structure that values simplicity and functionality, providing a dedicated space for meditation and self-reflection. Set within a natural landscape, this project emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection with the environment while fostering an atmosphere of privacy and tranquility. The cabin is efficiently organized into functional areas that serve multiple purposes, ensuring that each space contributes to the overall experience.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The architectural design incorporates distinct zones for various activities such as sleeping, eating, and meditative practices. The meditation area is strategically positioned to receive natural light, essential for creating a calming environment. Flexible furniture arrangements allow users to adapt the space to their needs, facilitating a personalized experience. Materials such as plywood and glass are utilized to enhance both durability and aesthetics. Plywood contributes warmth and a natural feel, while large glass windows connect the interior to the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the cabin's role as a sanctuary.

Unique Design Approaches

What distinguishes the Ozolini Cabin from similar architectural projects is its focus on adaptability and community. The compact living quarters are designed for efficiency, allowing for a minimalistic lifestyle that does not compromise comfort. The incorporation of a wood-burning stove not only provides warmth but also serves functional needs for cooking, reflecting a multi-disciplinary approach to cabin design. The architecture encourages both solitude and social interaction among users by situating the cabin within a network of similar structures, promoting a sense of community while ensuring individual privacy.

Sustainable Material Choices

The project's material selection plays a crucial role in its success. Primarily constructed from plywood, the cabin exemplifies sustainable design principles. Plywood is chosen for its lightweight properties and minimal environmental impact, making it suitable for a retreat focused on mindfulness. The expansive glass elements allow for natural light and exterior views while maintaining the cabin's privacy, resulting in an immersive experience that connects users with nature.

To further understand the architectural intricacies of the Ozolini Teamakers Meditation Cabin, consider exploring its architectural plans, sections, and designs in detail. Engaging with the project's presentation will provide greater insight into the innovative architectural ideas that inform its design.

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