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Scented Pathways Through Organic Forms in a Serene Retreat

Authors:
Mostafa Salem, Yehia Mokhtar
Scented Pathways Through Organic Forms in a Serene Retreat

Project in-detail

Integrating a scent-releasing Essence Holder along a pathway, the retreat uses organic forms and wooden beams to create a tranquil environment for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a scent-releasing Essence Holder along the approach path.
02
The cabin features organic forms that mirror its natural surroundings.
03
Wooden beams are used to enhance structural integrity while maintaining aesthetics.
04
Users experience a gradual transition from open landscape to secluded interior.
05
The space accommodates diverse meditation practices with varying exposure levels.

The Meditation Cabin is designed to provide a space for reflection and inner peace. Set within a lush landscape, it functions as a retreat that invites its users to leave behind daily distractions and engage deeply with nature. From the beginning of the journey to the cabin, visitors are encouraged to embrace their senses, setting the tone for their experience before they even arrive.

Conceptual Framework

A central aspect of the design is "The Essence Holder," a feature along the pathway that releases a scent from local flowers. This element is carefully placed to engage users as they walk towards the cabin, enhancing their sensory experience. By introducing this fragrant element, the aim is to deepen the connection between the users and the natural environment surrounding them.

Morphological Design

The shape of the Meditation Cabin reflects its natural setting. It features an organic form that blends with the landscape, promoting a sense of harmony. The design employs symmetry and repetition, incorporating vertical and rounded elements that evoke feelings of comfort and calm. These characteristics not only provide visual interest but also ensure that the space accommodates different forms of meditation.

Material Selection

Material choices are fundamental to the design's effectiveness. Plywood and wooden beams are the primary materials, selected for both their strength and their aesthetic appeal. The use of these materials helps create a warm and inviting space while also ensuring durability. This selection supports the overall goal of fostering a tranquil atmosphere conducive to meditation.

As users approach the cabin, they begin their journey under the protective cover of trees, gradually moving toward a more secluded interior. This transition from the open air to the cabin creates a focused environment for thought and reflection. The careful arrangement of materials and design elements makes the cabin not just a physical space but a haven for mindful practice.

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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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