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Sustainable Cabin Crafted From Cardboard Tubes With Natural Light Integration in Forest Setting

Authors:
Jiashu Song, Kuan-yi Chiang, Tianyu Zhang, Boxu Zeng
Sustainable Cabin Crafted From Cardboard Tubes With Natural Light Integration in Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Crafted from lightweight cardboard tubes and designed to harmonize with the surrounding forest, this cabin provides a tranquil space for meditation and solitude.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from cardboard tubes, enhancing sustainability and reducing material costs.
02
Designed to blend seamlessly with the forest environment, minimizing visual impact.
03
Features large glass windows to maximize natural light and provide forest views.
04
Compact layout accommodates essential functions while promoting simplicity and focus.
05
Modular design allows for easy relocation and adaptability to different sites.
The Silent Meditation Forests Cabin is a compact architectural project designed for solitude and reflection within a natural forest environment. This cabin serves as a retreat for individuals seeking a space for meditation and personal rejuvenation. The architecture emphasizes simplicity, sustainability, and a profound connection with its surroundings, showcasing a thoughtful and practical approach to design.

The primary function of the cabin is to provide an isolated and peaceful space for meditation and other self-care activities. The design caters to one occupant, facilitating a focused environment that encourages introspection and tranquility. With various carefully delineated spaces, including a living area, sleeping area, kitchenette, and bathroom, the cabin is oriented towards the occupant's needs while remaining unobtrusive in its natural setting.

A key aspect of the Silent Meditation Forests Cabin is its unique approach to materiality and construction. The use of cardboard tubes for the walls and ceilings represents an innovative solution for lightweight and cost-effective building materials. These tubes provide both structural support and thermal insulation, ensuring comfort across different seasons. The integration of wood columns offers an additional layer of durability and facilitates a flexible design. The concrete foundation enhances stability while allowing for the possibility of relocation.

The design further distinguishes itself through its integration with the surrounding landscape. By placing the cabin strategically within the forest, the architecture minimizes visual impact and blends seamlessly with the tree canopy. Large glass windows allow for natural light while creating a strong visual connection to the outdoors. This mindfulness about interactions between the built environment and nature fosters a deeper experience for users, enhancing the meditative qualities intended for the space.

The project uses innovative diagrams to illustrate the seasonal paths of sunlight and the relationship with surrounding vegetation, providing insight into how these elements influence user experience and internal comfort. This detailed analysis of environmental context showcases not only the thoughtful consideration by the architects but also the project's commitment to aligning with nature's rhythms.

The Silent Meditation Forests Cabin exemplifies a focused and resourceful approach in architecture, emphasizing sustainable practices and minimalist design. It serves as an engaging case study for architects interested in exploring environmentally harmonious living spaces. Interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs to gain a deeper understanding of the project and its foundational ideas in architectural design.
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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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