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Suspended Stones and Local Timber Create a Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Author:
Gene Miao
Suspended Stones and Local Timber Create a Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Suspended stones hover gracefully within a framework of local timber, creating a meditative haven that fosters reflection and tranquility amidst the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin features suspended stones that create an illusion of levitation, enhancing the meditative experience.
02
Local timber is utilized throughout the structure, ensuring harmony with the surrounding environment.
03
Curved full-height glass openings are strategically placed to maximize natural light and views of the landscape.
04
A spiral staircase connects the main meditation space to an upper viewing platform, offering panoramic perspectives.
05
The design incorporates a minimalist fireplace, providing warmth while maintaining the focus on tranquility and reflection.
The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin exemplifies a thoughtful architectural endeavor that seamlessly integrates functionality and connection to the natural environment. Located within a picturesque landscape, this project serves as a serene retreat designed primarily for meditation and reflection. It represents a harmonious relationship between human-made structures and the organic world, emphasizing the importance of mindful living in today’s fast-paced society.

The cabin’s primary function is as a space for meditation, where individuals can retreat from their daily routines to engage in reflective practices. The design facilitates this by incorporating elements that promote tranquility and mindfulness. The use of locally sourced, rough stone for the exterior not only grounds the structure in its setting but also reflects the natural materials that historically characterize the region’s architecture. This choice reinforces a sense of permanence and stability, serving as a reminder of the enduring aspects of our surroundings.

Key aspects of the project include its thoughtful configuration, which allows for a spacious central area dedicated to meditation, complemented by a fireplace that adds warmth and ambiance. The layout is carefully designed to foster a sense of peace, with discreet facilities integrated into the overall design, ensuring that the focus remains on the experience of the space rather than on functional interruptions. The cabin also features a spiral staircase leading to an upper viewing platform, inviting users to immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The use of suspended stones within the interior design is both innovative and symbolic. These stones give the impression of levitation, achieved through a sophisticated system of stainless-steel threaded rods and nuts. This unique approach not only offers visual intrigue but also communicates the principles of mindfulness, where the concept of letting go and rising above is central. The play between the solid, tangible qualities of stone and the ethereal appearance of the suspended stones adds depth to the spatial experience, allowing users to engage with the concept of lightness and transcendence.

Natural light is a pivotal element in the design of the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin. The integration of full-height glass openings and a circular skylight creates a seamless connection between the interior and the exterior, allowing ample sunlight to flood the space. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also invites nature into the cabin, reinforcing the idea of interior and exterior fluidity. Such features encourage users to experience the changing light throughout the day, which can greatly influence one’s mood and state of mind.

The cabin’s careful material selection further reflects a commitment to sustainability and responsiveness to the environment. The use of rough stone, locally sourced timber, and glass all contribute to a sensory-rich experience while echoing the natural landscape. Each material serves a purpose, from the thermal insulation properties of gypsum board to the visual transparency of glass, which engages occupants with their surroundings.

What sets the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin apart is its unique approach to design, which intertwines functional living with deep symbolic meaning. The project epitomizes a shift toward architecture that embraces the ideals of mindfulness and well-being, providing a refuge for individuals seeking respite from the complexities of modern life. This architectural endeavor emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that resonate with their context, fostering connections not just with nature but also with oneself.

For those interested in exploring this project further, delving into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will reveal additional insights into the innovative ideas at play within the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin. This exploration offers a more comprehensive appreciation of how architecture can transform our relationships with both space and nature.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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