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Reflective Metal Cladding and Laminated Glass Enveloped in Natural Wood for a Meditative Retreat

Authors:
Rana El dakkak, Ola Ziad, Samira Chahine
Reflective Metal Cladding and Laminated Glass Enveloped in Natural Wood for a Meditative Retreat

Project in-detail

Reflective metal cladding and laminated glass envelop natural wood elements to create a cabin that serves as a tranquil retreat for meditation and introspection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective metal cladding protects nearby wildlife from collisions while enhancing the structure's visibility.
02
Laminated glass panels provide expansive views while maintaining energy efficiency.
03
Rainwater harvesting system allows sustainable water use throughout the year.
04
Use of hard beech and locally sourced silver beech wood supports environmental sustainability.
05
Interior elements, such as cedar finishes, enhance sensory experiences through natural aromas.

The Floating Cabin is an architectural project designed to create a retreat that fosters mindfulness and connection with nature. Nestled in a natural landscape, the cabin emphasizes sustainability through careful material selection and innovative design features. By providing a serene environment for meditation and introspection, this project aims to enhance the experience of living harmoniously within the wilderness.

The Floating Cabin demonstrates a thoughtful approach to spatial organization, featuring an open-plan layout that connects various functional areas. The use of large glass panels invites natural light into the interior, creating a fluid transition between the indoor and outdoor environments. The strategic placement of windows not only provides panoramic views but also allows for effective natural ventilation. This design enables occupants to engage with the natural surroundings, thus enhancing their experience of the space.

Innovative Material Selection and Sustainability

One of the unique aspects of The Floating Cabin is its deliberate choice of materials designed to promote both durability and ecological responsibility. Notable materials used in the project include reflective metal cladding, laminated glass, hard beech wood, silver beech wood for roof cladding, cedar wood for interior finishes, and kauri wood for the flooring. This combination not only offers aesthetic appeal but also aligns with sustainability goals through the use of local materials where possible.

A distinctive feature of the design is its rainwater harvesting system. This initiative collects rainwater from the roof and stores it in an underground tank, allowing for practical water use throughout the year. The incorporation of outdoor elements like bird feeders enhances interactions with wildlife, promoting a sense of tranquility among occupants.

Design Elements and Functional Spaces

The functional areas within The Floating Cabin are meticulously designed to support its primary purpose as a meditative retreat. The principle spaces include areas for meditation, preparation, and relaxation, each contributing to the overall experience of mindfulness. The interior finishes employ cedar wood, providing a warm aesthetic and pleasant aroma that adds to the sensory experience.

Noteworthy is the inclusion of architectural details like a fireplace and bird baths, designed to create focal points that improve the quality of engagement with the surroundings. These elements not only serve practical needs but also reinforce the themes of connecting with nature and promoting stillness.

For those interested in a more in-depth look at The Floating Cabin, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas will provide a comprehensive understanding of this project’s innovative approach to architecture and design. Engage with the materials and functionalities that define this retreat for an enriching exploration of its features.

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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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