Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Suspended Stones and Curved Glass Create a Meditation Retreat Embedded in Nature

Author:
Gene Miao
Suspended Stones and Curved Glass Create a Meditation Retreat Embedded in Nature

Project in-detail

The interplay of suspended stones and curved glass within a natural setting defines a meditative space, enhancing the experience of tranquility and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended stones create a dynamic ceiling element that enhances the spatial experience.
02
Curved glass walls provide unobstructed views while maximizing natural light.
03
The moveable altar allows for adaptable meditation practices within the space.
04
A spiral staircase connects levels without disrupting the cabin's compact footprint.
05
Locally sourced timber adds warmth and regional authenticity to the interior.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is an architectural project that utilizes the tactile qualities of stone to create a serene space focused on meditation and reflection. It embodies a synthesis of modern design practices and traditional materials, creating a tranquil environment that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings.

The cabin operates as a dedicated space for meditation, distinct from conventional residential structures. Its design prioritizes emotional and sensory experiences, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. The use of local materials ensures environmental integration while providing structural support.

The cabin’s design features are noteworthy. The exterior is characterized by a rough stone facade, which offers a rugged, timeless appearance, effectively anchoring the structure to its geological context. Internally, the cabin showcases a contrasting warmth through locally sourced timber used for structural framing and finishing elements. This integration of materials promotes a dialogue between the interior and exterior spaces.

A unique aspect of the cabin is the incorporation of suspended stones within its design. These stones, anchored by stainless steel rods, create a dynamic visual element, appearing to float above the ground. This design innovation fosters a connection to nature while encouraging contemplation among users. The extended use of curved glass enhances transparency, allowing ample natural light into the meditation area and framing views of the surrounding landscape, further enriching the experience.

The layout of the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is meticulously planned to support various meditative activities. A central meditation area is surrounded by suspended stones, while a moveable altar provides flexibility for different practices. Additionally, the spiral staircase leading to an upper viewing platform encourages vertical exploration within the limited footprint of the cabin. The integration of essential facilities, such as a toilet and a fireplace, is designed to maintain the seamless flow of the space.

In summary, the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin represents a thoughtful intersection of architecture and nature, prioritizing design elements that enhance tranquility and reflection. This project exemplifies unique approaches in integrating local materials and innovative structural elements within a functional space. Readers interested in exploring this project further should review the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs to gain deeper insights into its conceptual and practical applications.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy