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Textured Polystyrene Cabin for Meditative Living

Authors:
Pascale Pierre, Marie Préaut, Nicolae Fugaru
Textured Polystyrene Cabin for Meditative Living

Project in-detail

A cabin constructed from textured polystyrene, designed for reversible functionality, provides a compact and sustainable space dedicated to meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from textured polystyrene for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Modular design allows for easy relocation and reconfiguration.
03
Integrated furniture within walls optimizes interior space usage.
04
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainability.
05
Dedicated zones support both private meditation and communal activities.

The Silent Meditation Forest Cabin is a microarchitectural design intended to blend with its natural surroundings while offering a quiet space for living and reflection. Positioned within a serene environment, the cabin serves practical needs while focusing on comfort in a compact layout. The overall design aims to create a thoughtful relationship between the structure and the landscape, promoting a minimalist approach that respects the site.

Materiality
The cabin's exterior consists of polystyrene, which has been coated with waterproof colored sustainable paint. This choice enhances the thermal performance of the building while offering an aesthetically pleasing finish. The facade features stamped textures that highlight different modules, giving the cabin a unique look that stands out in its environment. Inside, polystyrene is also visible, reinforcing a consistent material palette throughout. Integrated furniture, like storage shelves, is designed into the wall, helping to keep the space organized and efficient.

Spatial Configuration
Inside, the cabin is divided into six distinct modules: a bathroom, a kitchen, storage, a living area, outdoor space, and a place for sleeping. This arrangement supports a mix of private and communal activities, allowing for versatile use of the space. Each module is carefully planned to balance personal privacy with opportunities for social engagement, inviting residents to making the most of both indoor and outdoor settings.

Sustainability
An emphasis on sustainability is woven into the design through features like rainwater harvesting and photovoltaic solar energy systems. These systems promote energy self-sufficiency while minimizing the environmental footprint. The cabin's design allows for easy relocation, addressing the need for flexibility in today's world. This consideration of ecological impact is essential for modern living, making room for a life that is gentle on the environment.

Natural light plays a vital role in the cabin's design. Strategic openings connect the interior to the landscape, bringing in views and allowing sunlight to illuminate the space. This aspect enhances the living experience while ensuring that privacy is maintained for the occupants.

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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

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