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Tatami-Floored Retreat with Polycarbonate Louvres in a Forest Setting

Authors:
Jerry Feng, Calvin Huang
Tatami-Floored Retreat with Polycarbonate Louvres in a Forest Setting

Project in-detail

With its tatami-floored spaces and adjustable polycarbonate louvres that enhance natural light and ventilation, the cabin offers a serene setting for meditation amid the tranquil forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tatami mat system provides efficient hidden storage for meditation essentials.
02
Polycarbonate louvres allow for adjustable light and air control, enhancing user experience.
03
Dark timber cladding minimizes visual impact and blends seamlessly into the forest.
04
Hydronic heating system ensures comfort while maintaining energy efficiency.
05
Meditation space inspired by Japanese tea rooms fosters a tranquil atmosphere.

The Forest Meditation Cabin is located in a peaceful forest setting, designed to provide a space for meditation and quiet contemplation. The design focuses on blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings, promoting an experience rooted in simplicity and introspection. With a layout that invites tranquility, it aims to connect its users with the beauty of nature.

Exterior Design

The cabin's exterior features a dark timber finish that helps it blend into the forest landscape. Simple yet functional, the overall shape resembles traditional cabins while incorporating modern elements. A black steel frame leads to an oak timber door, creating a welcoming entrance that distinguishes the cabin's interior from the outside world.

Interior Functionality

Inside, the walls are finished with plywood, which reflects light and creates a warm atmosphere. The layout revolves around a tatami mat system that serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. This design allows for hiding bedding and tea equipment beneath the floor, keeping the space organized and free from distractions.

Culinary and Sustainable Features

The kitchen area includes essential tools such as a combustion fire, sink, tap, and storage cabinet. A horizontal glass panel above the kitchen bench brings in natural light, making the cooking area bright and inviting. Beneath the kitchen, hydronic heating offers warmth without consuming too much energy, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

Meditation Space and Environmental Integration

Inspired by Japanese tea rooms, the meditation area features its own tatami system to enhance the experience of quiet reflection. Here, polycarbonate louvres can be adjusted to control light and airflow, allowing users to feel a part of the forest environment. When closed, these louvres provide good insulation, contributing to the cabin's energy efficiency.

The design employs pre-fabricated timber framing that supports the dark timber cladding. This construction method streamlines building and minimizes the impact on the environment, ensuring that the cabin remains a place for quiet and thoughtful connection with nature.

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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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