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Sound Tubes and Natural Light in a Compact Meditation Cabin

Authors:
Lisha Chen, Chih-ting Yeh
Sound Tubes and Natural Light in a Compact Meditation Cabin

Project in-detail

With distinct sound tubes and abundant natural light, the meditation cabin offers a compact, sustainable space for reflection within a forest setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sound tubes are integrated into the design to enhance acoustic experiences during meditation.
02
The cabin features open skylights to maximize natural light throughout the interior.
03
Recycled wood is utilized in the heating system, promoting sustainability.
04
Rainwater collection is implemented for practical daily use.
05
Reflective surfaces are strategically placed to engage occupants visually with the forest.

The meditation cabin is designed to fit into its natural surroundings while promoting a deep connection between its users and the environment. Located in a peaceful forest area, this small structure covers less than 15 square meters and serves as a retreat for meditation and self-reflection. The concept is guided by the theme of "voice," influencing both its shape and purpose. By combining a cube structure with sound tubes of varying geometries, the cabin offers an immersive atmosphere for individuals to express their thoughts and feelings in harmony with nature.

Spatial Organization

The cabin's interior is thoughtfully arranged to enhance the user experience. It contains three distinct areas, each focusing on different types of meditation: light, voice, and reflection. The Meditation of Light area utilizes open skylights that allow abundant natural light to fill the space, creating a calming environment. In the Meditation of Voice, adjustable sound plates offer custom acoustic experiences, letting users engage with the sound in various ways. The Meditation of Reflection employs reflective surfaces to visually connect occupants with the forest, encouraging a greater appreciation for the outdoor setting.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a core aspect of this design. The cabin's roof is angled at five degrees to improve rainwater collection, providing a practical resource for daily use. Natural ventilation is facilitated by strategically placed windows that promote airflow while bringing in light. The heating system works with recycled wood, contributing to energy efficiency, and biological methods turned waste into biogas for cooking and lighting. Together, these features significantly lessen the impact on the environment.

Material Selection

Wood is the main construction material used in the cabin. This choice supports the design's focus on sustainability and aligns with cultural ties to the region, particularly in Latvia. The use of wood not only provides strength to the structure but also adds warmth and comfort to the meditation space.

The cabin's exterior reflects a minimalist design, characterized by clean lines and simplicity. This approach helps the structure blend with its surroundings. Throughout the day, the way light interacts with the surfaces of the cabin enhances its visual character, creating a tranquil setting for meditation.

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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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