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Rainwater Harvesting Cabins with Timber Panels Embracing Natural Serenity

Authors:
Hui meng Tuang, Pooventhiran P sangar, Hon sing Yong
Rainwater Harvesting Cabins with Timber Panels Embracing Natural Serenity

Project in-detail

Constructed from timber panels and designed to harness rainwater, these cabins thoughtfully integrate into the Ozolini forest while providing a serene retreat for meditation and self-discovery.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using timber panels for efficient insulation and aesthetic warmth.
02
Combines cross ventilation and natural lighting to enhance energy efficiency.
03
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system to promote sustainability.
04
Each cabin reflects specific psychological themes inspired by GUNAS.
05
Arranged to encourage both communal interaction and private meditation experiences.

The Silent Meditation Forest Cabins are situated in Ozolini, surrounded by dense forests that contribute to a peaceful atmosphere. The design focuses on creating a space for reflection and introspection, catering to city dwellers looking for a retreat. The concept is inspired by GUNAS, which relate to personality and psychological traits. This foundation shapes the environment, encouraging users to engage in meditation and self-discovery.

Design Concept

Cabins are spread throughout the forest, resembling apples that have fallen from trees. This arrangement emphasizes a connection to nature and enhances the experience for visitors. Each cabin serves a specific purpose, offering distinct themes that guide individuals through their meditation journey. The overall focus is on stress relief and achieving a sense of calm, allowing users to explore different emotional states.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the cabins balances private and communal meditation experiences. Each cabin is designed around a particular theme; the red cabin symbolizes RAJAS, representing stress, while the grey interior embodies TAMAS, which signifies release. Additionally, the cabins offer views that encapsulate SATTVA, representing serenity. This thoughtful organization supports meditative practices, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in their surroundings.

Sustainable Features

Sustainability is a critical element of the design. Natural lighting and cross ventilation are incorporated to increase energy efficiency and comfort for occupants. Rainwater harvesting and solar energy systems are part of the design, aiming for a self-sustaining operation while reducing environmental impact. These features align with the intent to coexist with the surrounding ecosystem, enhancing the overall experience for users.

Material Choices

Materials used in the construction reflect a focus on practicality and sustainability. Aluminium is selected for the rainwater harvesting tank, providing durability. Timber is used for roofs and walls, offering a warm aesthetic and connecting the cabins to the forest. Mild steel is featured in the structural elements, ensuring stability. Wool insulation is added to improve thermal performance, making the spaces energy-efficient.

The cabins emerge as more than just structures; they serve as spaces for personal reflection set amidst the forest. The careful design prioritizes harmony with nature, inviting users to fully engage with their meditative experience. Each element is crafted to enhance the connection between the occupants and their surroundings.

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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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