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Sheep Wool Insulation And Shou Sugi Ban Create A Spiraling Retreat

Authors:
Kaavya Chhatrapati, Cameron Young
Sheep Wool Insulation And Shou Sugi Ban Create A Spiraling Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with shou sugi ban cladding and enhanced by sheep wool insulation, the spiraling cabin serves as a serene retreat for meditation and yoga within a natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Spiral form guides users from outside to interior space.
02
Constructed using local materials, including sheep wool insulation.
03
Walls open along the spiral curve to enhance natural light.
04
Prefabricated grid shell panels minimize construction impact.
05
Integrated fireplace serves as a lightwell and gathering point.

The Kiwi Cabin Spiral Hut is designed as a tranquil space for meditation and self-reflection. Set within a peaceful landscape, its structure features a spiral form that leads users from the outside world into an interior meant for yoga and contemplation. The design aims to create a strong connection with nature, providing a place that encourages users to focus inward while feeling enveloped by the environment around them.

Spatial Organization

As users move through the cabin, the spiral shape offers an intentional journey that enhances the experience of entering the space. The design ensures that occupants can immerse themselves in nature, increasing their awareness and connection to their surroundings. This thoughtful arrangement creates privacy while maintaining an open feel and allows for expansive views of the landscape.

Material Selection

The cabin emphasizes sustainability through its careful selection of materials. Sheep's wool insulation provides effective temperature control without harmful off-gassing. The use of cork for the floors adds comfort and durability, making it suitable for practices such as yoga. The structure is built with locally sourced pine and beech wood, which not only lowers the environmental impact but also contributes a warm ambiance that feels inviting.

Functional Features

A fireplace is integrated into the design, adding warmth and serving as both a light source and a gathering point. This feature enhances the atmosphere inside the cabin, inviting occupants to interact and share while still promoting moments of solitude. The fireplace acts as a focal point, generating dynamic light patterns that enrich the meditative experience within the space.

Construction Approach

Using prefabricated grid shell panels, the construction process is streamlined for efficiency. This method reduces disruption to the surrounding landscape and supports environmentally friendly practices. Combining lightweight materials in the design reflects a commitment to sustainability while maintaining a straightforward architectural language.

The Kiwi Cabin Spiral Hut captures a simple, yet profound approach to architecture. Each aspect of the design works together to create a lively yet calming environment that encourages quiet reflection amidst the beauty of nature.

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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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