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Spiral Timber Retreat Blending Nordic Spruce and Thatch in a Forested Sanctuary

Author:
Mike Mammone
Spiral Timber Retreat Blending Nordic Spruce and Thatch in a Forested Sanctuary

Project in-detail

Designed with a spiraling form of Nordic spruce and crowned with thatch, this forest retreat seamlessly merges with its natural surroundings to create a tranquil space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabins feature a spiraled layout that symbolizes personal growth and connection to nature.
02
Constructed using locally sourced Nordic spruce, enhancing sustainability and regional authenticity.
03
Thatch roofing provides natural insulation and complements traditional building methods, creating visual harmony.
04
Sliding glass panels allow for customizable exposure to the surrounding forest environment.
05
Elevated design minimizes ecological disruption while offering uninterrupted views of the landscape.
The Nautilus Meditation Forest Cabins project is a thoughtfully conceived architectural endeavor that embodies the principles of harmony between built environments and natural landscapes. Located within a serene forest setting, this project serves as a retreat for meditation and self-reflection, intended for individuals seeking respite from the demands of urban living. The design represents a synthesis of form and function, where the architectural language not only respects but actively engages with its environment, allowing users to foster a deeper connection with nature.

At its core, the Nautilus project emphasizes the importance of meditation and introspection within a tranquil setting. The cabins are designed to facilitate individual journeys of self-discovery, promoting mental clarity and peace through their unique spatial organization. Each cabin is arranged around a central spiraled core that houses essential amenities, including sleeping areas, meditation spaces, and basic facilities. This configuration encourages a fluid movement throughout the cabin, allowing occupants to navigate through varied experiences within a single coherent space.

The design employs a range of materials that resonate with the surrounding forest, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability. Notably, Nordic spruce wood is prominently utilized for structural elements and interior finishes, providing warmth and a natural aesthetic that aligns with the project’s ethos. The choice of thatch for roofing enhances both insulation and visual continuity with traditional local forms, reflecting the cultural context of the site. Additionally, extensive use of glass within the design fosters a connection with the landscape while allowing natural light to permeate the interiors, further enhancing the sense of immersion in the forest environment.

Unique design approaches characterize the Nautilus cabins, particularly the spiral geometry that informs the overall shape of the structures. This specific architectural form evokes natural growth patterns and symbolizes an expanding consciousness, resonating with the overall themes of the project. The cabins are elevated slightly above the forest floor, minimizing ecological disruption and allowing nature to thrive in the space surrounding the buildings. This elevation also provides users with unobstructed views of the forest, fostering an enhanced experience of tranquility and connection with the landscape.

Another distinctive feature of the design is its flexible enclosure system, which includes sliding and retractable screens that provide the ability to control the openness of the space. This design element allows occupants to adapt their environment according to their comfort level, reinforcing a sense of privacy while encouraging a relationship with the outdoors. Walkways and paths strategically interlink the indoor and outdoor areas, promoting movement and engagement with the natural surroundings, which is integral to the overall meditation experience.

In summary, the Nautilus Meditation Forest Cabins present a cohesive architectural vision that prioritizes sustainability, connection, and personal growth. The careful selection of materials, spatial organization, and innovative design strategies reflect a commitment to creating spaces that nurture the human experience in a natural setting. Readers interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind this project are encouraged to delve deeper into the details of the Nautilus project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its conceptual and practical achievements.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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