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Round-Cornered Glass Pavilion Overlooking a Serene Valley

Authors:
Linxi Zhang Zhang, Rui Cao, Yicong Shan, Yiran Liu
Round-Cornered Glass Pavilion Overlooking a Serene Valley
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Set against a breathtaking valley, the round-cornered glass pavilion creates a serene environment for meditation and yoga, allowing users to connect deeply with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Round-cornered glass maximizes views while minimizing structural interruption.
02
The pavilion is designed with a zen-style garden that meanders to enhance the meditation experience.
03
It features a gradual entrance sequence that fosters a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
04
Interior spaces are intentionally organized around the principles of Dharana, Dhyanam, and Samadhi.
05
Strategically located on a cliff, it provides unobstructed sunset views over the valley.

The pavilion provides a tranquil space for meditation and yoga practice. Located on a cliff, it overlooks a scenic valley, allowing users to connect with nature. The design is based on principles from yoga, emphasizing interconnectedness and mindfulness. The architecture encourages users to engage with their environment, creating a calming atmosphere that supports contemplation.

Conceptual Framework

The design revolves around the three key stages of meditation: Dharana, Dhyanam, and Samadhi. Each stage informs the layout and movement within the pavilion, offering a structured pathway for visitors. This intentional sequence encourages deeper focus on the surrounding landscape. As users progress through each stage, they transition from a general awareness to a more intimate connection with nature.

Spatial Organization

The roof features a garden that winds through the pavilion, guiding visitors toward the landscape as their focal point. This layout simplifies the experience, helping people enter a meditative state as they make their way to their destination. Each step along the path is part of a reflective process, emphasizing the journey toward mindfulness and awareness.

Integration of Nature

The entrance connects the outdoors with the interior space gradually. This design choice allows users to mentally adjust before they enter areas meant for meditation. Architectural features frame views of the landscape, reinforcing the connection between the building and its natural surroundings. This transition enhances the overall experience, inviting users to engage fully with their environment.

Material Selection

Round-cornered glass is used throughout the pavilion, particularly in the yoga room on the lower level. This choice allows for clear views of the outdoor landscape while letting in natural light. By minimizing structural interruptions, the design supports a feeling of openness. The materials contribute to a calm and inviting atmosphere, essential for meditation and mindfulness practices.

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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

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