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Textured Wood Bark Exterior Envelops A Compact Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Chitsanuphong Chaisiripanich, Pongpob Boonwong, Pattravut Singkorngaew, Surakist Hunpaisarn
Textured Wood Bark Exterior Envelops A Compact Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Wrapped in a textured wood bark exterior that mimics the natural surroundings, this compact retreat provides a serene space for meditation and reflection amid the tranquility of the forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin's exterior is crafted from recycled wood bark, enhancing its natural camouflage within the forest.
02
A unique bent A-frame design maximizes vertical space while allowing for a compact footprint.
03
Passive lighting is achieved through strategically placed voids, promoting a serene ambiance throughout the interior.
04
Utilizes locally sourced pine panels and clay insulation for improved sustainability and ecological harmony.
05
The multi-level layout features dedicated meditation spaces, optimizing user experience in a limited area.
The Meditation Cabin is a thoughtfully designed architectural project set within a serene natural environment where it promotes mindfulness and reflection. This cabin serves as a dedicated space for introspection, allowing users to connect with their inner selves while immersed in the tranquility of the surrounding forest. The design represents a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature, emphasizing sustainability and simplicity.

In terms of function, the Meditation Cabin is structured to provide essential amenities while maintaining a strong focus on the meditative experience. The layout includes an entrance, storage area, a dry toilet, a kitchenette, and designated meditation zones, all thoughtfully arranged to facilitate ease of movement and privacy. The design prioritizes the user's experience, ensuring that each space contributes positively to a sense of calm and distraction-free meditation.

The architectural design reflects the metaphor of a tree, with the concept of ‘casting off’ distractions mirroring the process of shedding one's burdens during meditation. This is visually echoed in the cabin's exterior, which features a layered facade that mimics the texture of tree bark. The angular form and slanted roofline contribute to a dynamic visual profile that both integrates into and stands out against its forest backdrop.

Materiality plays a significant role in the project’s success. The cabin's exterior is clad in wood bark, a choice that underscores the building's intention to blend seamlessly with its environment while providing insulation. The interiors are adorned with pine wood panels, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances the meditative experience. The use of clay adds thermal mass, ensuring comfort while maintaining environmentally sensitive building practices.

One of the more unique aspects of the Meditation Cabin is its vertical stacking of spaces, which effectively utilizes a compact footprint of just 15 square meters. This split-sectional approach allows each level to feel open and light while accommodating necessary functions without feeling cramped. Passive lighting is another key design consideration, with carefully positioned voids allowing natural light to filter throughout the spaces, further enhancing the connectivity to the outdoors and promoting a calming ambiance.

The attention to detail is apparent in every aspect of the cabin's design, from the choice of materials to the structural considerations that enable a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. This project exemplifies the potential of architecture to create spaces that support well-being and spiritual growth while being grounded in sustainable practices.

For those interested in exploring the intricacies of this cabin further, examining architectural plans, sections, and design concepts will provide additional insights into the thoughtful decisions that have shaped this meditative retreat. The Meditation Cabin stands as a testament to functional design that respects both its users and the environment, inviting a closer look at the intersection of architecture and nature.
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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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