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Sustainable Shelter Crafted From Local Timber With Integrated Green Wall For Mindfulness Retreat

Author:
Venisse Sitjar
Sustainable Shelter Crafted From Local Timber With Integrated Green Wall For Mindfulness Retreat

Project in-detail

Crafted from local timber and enhanced by a unique green wall, this meditation cabin serves as a serene retreat promoting mindfulness and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin features a unique green wall that integrates local flora, enhancing natural biodiversity.
02
Constructed with local timber, the project emphasizes a minimal carbon footprint by utilizing regionally sourced materials.
03
The design includes walled spaces for meditation that provide acoustic separation from the outside environment.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated, ensuring sustainable water use for the surrounding landscape.
05
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light intake while offering an aesthetically distinctive silhouette against the landscape.
The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin in Mangatarata, New Zealand, represents a thoughtful architectural endeavor aimed at fostering mindfulness and spiritual well-being in a serene natural environment. With an area of 28 square meters, this project embodies the concept of a retreat, designed specifically to provide a tranquil space for contemplation and rejuvenation. The architecture reflects a sincere interaction between the built environment and the natural surroundings, encouraging users to connect with the elements of nature while engaging in meditation practices.

At its core, the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin serves as a sanctuary for self-reflection and relaxation. The design efficiently combines essential spaces for activities such as yoga, meditation, and flower essence processing. This multifunctional approach limits the need for excessive square footage while maintaining a sense of openness and lightness within the cabin. The layout has been carefully designed to prioritize user experience, allowing for fluid movement and interaction with the various areas dedicated to mindfulness.

Several important elements and details contribute to the overall functionality and aesthetic of the cabin. The exterior features a gabled roof and wooden decks that extend living space into the surrounding landscape. This connection with nature is enhanced through the use of local materials. A combination of New Zealand timber for the cladding and corrugated aluminum for the roof provides durability while assuring the structure complements its environment. The incorporation of large glass and aluminum frames is vital to the design, allowing ample natural light to flow into the cabin while offering breathtaking views of the landscape.

Internally, the architecture promotes a calming atmosphere through the thoughtful arrangement of spaces. The central area is designated for yoga practice, providing a peaceful and unobstructed environment for concentration and movement. A wood fire serves as both a practical heat source and a focal point for communal gathering, emphasizing the importance of warmth and connection. This internal arrangement not only supports individual practices but also encourages a sense of community among users.

The project uniquely integrates the four elements of earth, water, fire, and air, reinforcing its meditative purpose. The green wall, adorned with local flowering plants, embodies the earth element, while a rainwater harvesting system symbolizes the water element. The wood fire emphasizes the warmth of fire, and extensive ventilation through operable windows embodies the air element. Each of these features contributes to a cohesive design that not only serves functional needs but also invites users to experience a deeper connection with nature.

A noteworthy aspect of this architectural design is its emphasis on sustainability. The cabin prioritizes eco-friendly materials and design principles, promoting environmental stewardship and reducing the building’s carbon footprint. The use of locally sourced materials enhances the cabin's regional identity and ensures that its presence is not intrusive to the surrounding landscape. Furthermore, the layout’s passive design strategies maximize natural ventilation and light, providing a year-round comfortable indoor climate without relying heavily on artificial heating or cooling systems.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin stands out for its innovative approach to compact living. It encourages users to adopt a simpler, more mindful lifestyle, reflecting a growing trend in architecture towards minimalism and functionality. By merging thoughtful design with sustainable practices, this project not only serves as a physical structure but also as a catalyst for personal exploration and growth.

To explore this architectural project further and gain deeper insights into its design elements, including architectural plans, sections, and a detailed examination of its architectural ideas, readers are encouraged to review the presentation for a comprehensive understanding of how this meditation cabin responds to the needs of modern users while remaining grounded in its natural context.
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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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