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Polished Black Marble Altar Surrounded by Earth Bags in a Mind Cave Retreat

Author:
Michal Stejskal
Polished Black Marble Altar Surrounded by Earth Bags in a Mind Cave Retreat

Project in-detail

The polished black marble altar, strategically placed above the entrance and complemented by earth bag walls, creates a reflective and grounding space designed for meditation and introspection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The altar is positioned above the entrance to maximize sunlight exposure.
02
Earth bags used for walls are filled with local soil, promoting sustainability.
03
Polished black marble serves as a reflective surface to enhance introspection.
04
Mud plaster finishes provide natural aesthetics while integrating with the environment.
05
Veitch Boskoop plants are intended to cover the structure over time, enriching the landscape.

The design presents a space for meditation and relaxation located within a natural setting. Emphasizing a spiritual atmosphere, it encourages introspection and connection to the surrounding environment. Through careful attention to layout and material selection, the design aims to support personal journeys of self-discovery.

Spatial Configuration

The concept is built around the metaphor of a cave, which represents the inner workings of the human mind. This idea is reflected in the layout of the space that invites visitors to move downward, symbolizing a journey into their thoughts and emotions. Such an arrangement enhances the experience and fosters a sense of tranquility.

Central Features

An altar for flowers sits prominently above the entrance, accessed by a staircase. This feature acts as a central point in the design, benefiting from natural sunlight and creating a warm atmosphere. Its placement is intentional, drawing the eye without compromising the function of the main area, allowing visitors to engage in a meaningful way.

Material Choices

Polished black marble is used in specific areas, creating reflective surfaces that encourage visitors to think from various angles. This choice reinforces the design's thematic focus on self-exploration. Additionally, earth bags filled with local soil are utilized for the walls, promoting sustainable practices while grounding the building in its landscape.

Finishing Touches

Mud plaster is applied to both the interior and exterior, helping the structure blend into its natural environment. The outer layer is planned to support growth, including plants like Veitch Boskoop, which will gradually cover the building. This choice not only enhances the aesthetic but also strengthens the connection between the design and its surroundings.

The polished black marble altar stands as a centerpiece, inviting stillness and reflection as it interacts with changing light throughout the day.

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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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