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Suspended Platform Surrounded by Glass in a Meditation Retreat

Author:
Raphaela Hitsch
Suspended Platform Surrounded by Glass in a Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

A suspended platform encased in a glass facade provides a serene environment for meditation, allowing the cabin to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings while facilitating therapeutic practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended platform design allows for unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
02
A glass facade enhances natural light while maintaining privacy with adjustable light curtains.
03
Four additional cabins create a village-like atmosphere, each oriented for optimal sunlight.
04
Integrated outdoor platforms facilitate yoga and meditation practices in a natural setting.
05
Utilizes a minimal material palette, emphasizing wood and glass for a harmonious aesthetic.

The ALMA | SOUL CABIN is situated in Vale de Moses and serves as a meditation retreat focused on mindfulness and therapeutic practices. The design is simple yet functional, aimed at creating a welcoming environment that promotes reflection and a connection with nature. This project embodies a thoughtful approach to design, integrating elements that help users find peace and serenity.

Design Approach

The cabin features a suspended platform that rests on three closets. These closets serve multiple purposes, including storage and ventilation, which helps keep the interior uncluttered. This layout allows the space to function effectively for therapeutic activities, ensuring that users can focus without distraction. By minimizing visual noise, the design emphasizes the importance of an open environment in promoting well-being.

Connection to the Outdoors

One significant aspect of the cabin is its glass facade, which connects the interior with the natural surroundings. This transparency invites light into the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Users can enjoy views of the landscape while inside, fostering a sense of calm. The option to use light curtains allows the space to adapt, providing privacy when needed while still enhancing the overall experience.

Functional Layout

Inside, the design is organized to support various activities, with dedicated areas for therapy and storage that do not interfere with movement. The project also includes four additional cabins arranged like a small community, each oriented differently to maximize sunlight and views. This arrangement not only adds visual interest but also encourages exploration. The varying heights of the cabins create a lively environment, urging visitors to engage with their surroundings.

Outdoor Features

Outdoor spaces are thoughtfully integrated into the design. Wooden platforms and a pergola support activities such as yoga and meditation while offering areas for relaxation. Hammocks can be added, providing users with options to unwind. The pergola is adaptable, allowing for the addition of curtains or plants, which helps users personalize their experience based on their preferences.

The ALMA | SOUL CABIN illustrates an approach to design that prioritizes functionality and a close relationship with nature. Every detail is considered to support the retreat’s purpose, inviting visitors to experience tranquility and mindfulness in a harmonious setting.

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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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