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Spiral Water Collection and Polycarbonate Light in a Sustainable Forest Retreat

Author:
Gözde Karabulut
Spiral Water Collection and Polycarbonate Light in a Sustainable Forest Retreat

Project in-detail

The integration of a spiral water collection system and a polycarbonate light structure enhances the sustainable living experience in a forest retreat dedicated to meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Spiral water bowl collects rainwater, enhancing resource efficiency.
02
Flexible walls allow users to adjust openness based on mood and need.
03
Laminated wood structure promotes sustainable building practices.
04
Polycarbonate system diffuses natural light, creating a calm interior atmosphere.
05
Compact design minimizes environmental impact and material use.

The meditation forest cabin is designed as a peaceful retreat set within a natural landscape. It combines living space with areas that encourage meditation and contemplation. The overall design emphasizes the connection between people and nature, creating an environment that supports mindfulness and tranquility.

Design Concept

The shape of the cabin features a reduced surface area, which improves efficiency and minimizes the amount of construction material needed. This thoughtful design choice enhances the building's durability against outside elements like wind, noise, and heat. By providing distinct areas for different activities, the cabin meets the needs of its occupants for both active engagement and quiet reflection.

Spatial Flexibility

One key aspect of the cabin is its flexible wall system. Occupants can open or close half of the walls according to their preferences. This feature allows for interaction with the outdoors or, alternatively, can create a space of complete seclusion. Such adaptability enriches the experience, tailoring the environment to the user’s mood and the moments they wish to create.

Functional Elements

At the center of the cabin is a spiral water bowl that serves both a practical and aesthetic purpose. When it rains, the roof can be partially opened, channeling water into the bowl. This action reinforces the link to the natural surroundings. Essential facilities, such as a small enclosed fireplace, a kitchenette, and a composting toilet, enhance livability. A sofa and hammock positioned centrally offer supportive spaces for relaxation and meditation.

Material Selection

Laminated wood forms the main structure of the cabin, chosen for its ease of assembly and transport. This material is valued for its strength and fire resistance, aligning with sustainable practices. A thin film photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof captures solar energy, providing power for the cabin. Inside, soft light filters through a polycarbonate system, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages quiet reflection.

The spiral water bowl collects rainwater, highlighting the connection between the cabin and its natural environment. This small detail reinforces the cabin's purpose as a place for contemplation and connection to 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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