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Spiral Form Constructed with Aircrete for Mindful Meditation

Author:
Elena Moctezuma leyva
Spiral Form Constructed with Aircrete for Mindful Meditation

Project in-detail

Constructed in a spiral form using Aircrete, the meditation dome serves as a reflective space that fosters personal growth and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with Aircrete for enhanced insulation and durability.
02
The spiral form reflects the Maori koru symbol, promoting personal growth.
03
Features skylights that connect the interior to the natural environment.
04
Incorporates a rainwater collection system to support local flora.
05
Designed to enhance acoustic experience for meditation practices.

The Koru Meditation Dome is an architectural structure that draws on the Maori concept of "koru," which represents new beginnings and a deep connection to nature. Located in a peaceful setting, it offers a space designed for meditation and reflection. The overall form of the dome is based on the spiral shape of the koru symbol, creating an environment that encourages users to engage in their personal journeys of introspection.

Design Concept

The dome's shape is defined by a flowing spiral, closely resembling the fluid lines of the koru symbol. This design reflects the idea of life's cyclical nature, providing a calming space for individuals. As visitors move through the dome, they experience a natural progression that supports their exploration and focus on personal growth.



Material Selection

Aircrete has been chosen for the construction of the dome due to its lightweight and insulative qualities. This material consists of a mixture of cement, water, and foam, providing both sustainability and durability. Its fire, water, and insect resistance contribute to the long-lasting nature of the structure. Aircrete facilitates an efficient construction process, allowing for easy shaping and minimizing waste on-site.



Sustainable Features

The design incorporates various sustainable elements, such as solar vents that harness natural light and a rainwater collection system that supports the surrounding landscape. These features highlight the need for harmony with the environment while reflecting the koru symbol's message of connection. By integrating these components, the structure demonstrates a commitment to ecological responsibility in its design.



Interior Experience

Inside the dome, the atmosphere is enhanced by natural light filtering through carefully positioned skylights. This design choice strengthens the bond between the interior and the exterior. The acoustics of the space are tailored to support meditation practices, leading to a more immersive experience. These details create an environment that invites deeper thought and mindfulness, emphasizing the core ideas behind the Koru Meditation Dome.

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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
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