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Reflective Cabins with Triple Glass and Mindful Design

Authors:
Jan-hubert Bisschops, Merijn Hermsen
Reflective Cabins with Triple Glass and Mindful Design
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Constructed with triple glass and toughened surfaces, the design integrates reflective cabins that prioritize privacy and mindfulness in their serene forest setting, facilitating focused meditation and self-reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective surfaces enhance privacy while maintaining a connection to the forest.
02
Triple glass construction maximizes natural light and thermal efficiency.
03
Cabins are designed for specific functions, promoting mindfulness and ritual.
04
Strategic placement encourages uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Infrared heating solutions integrate seamlessly within the minimalist design.

The project 'ON REFLECTION' is designed to create a living space that connects its occupants with nature. Set in a calm landscape, it consists of four cabins, each serving specific functions related to meditation and self-reflection. The overall design emphasizes simplicity and purpose, encouraging people to engage thoughtfully with their environment while incorporating mindfulness into daily routines.

Cabin Design

Each cabin fulfills a particular role aimed at fostering a reflective lifestyle. Cabin A functions as a bedroom and meditation space, providing comfort and tranquility. Cabin B is designed for showering and meditation, while Cabin C serves as both a kitchen and workspace. Cabin D also accommodates showering and meditation. This clear division of spaces supports a seamless flow from one activity to another, urging individuals to be mindful of their actions throughout the day.

Material Utilization

The design incorporates extensive glass, which plays a key role in both aesthetics and functionality. Triple glass is used throughout the structure, offering insulation and maximizing natural light, creating a warm, inviting interior. The inner shell consists of toughened and transparent glass, providing strength and a clear sightline to the exterior. Toughened mirror glass also features prominently, meeting privacy needs while still engaging with the surrounding landscape.

Spatial Experience

The careful placement of cabins ensures unobstructed views of the environment, engaging residents with the scenery around them. Transparency and reflection are used thoughtfully, allowing the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces to blur. This encourages a constant relationship with nature, where light and shadow change throughout the day, enhancing the experience of living there.

Attention to detail is evident in the design, from the arrangement of furniture to the warmth provided by crystal clear infrared radiators. This choice of heating supports a minimalist approach while ensuring comfort for the occupants. Overall, the design cultivates an atmosphere that promotes mindfulness and reflection, allowing residents to immerse themselves fully in their surroundings.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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