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Thermal Mud Walls and Woven Flax in a Circular Meditation Space

Authors:
Naro Goller, Burak Camgöz, Alexander Lehmann
Thermal Mud Walls and Woven Flax in a Circular Meditation Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with thermal mud walls and woven flax, the cabin's circular design fosters a unique connection with nature, providing an adaptable space dedicated to meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mud walls provide thermal mass for temperature regulation.
02
Woven flax walls enhance natural light and outdoor views.
03
Circular layout promotes inclusivity and eliminates hierarchy.
04
Located in a clearing surrounded by native trees for tranquility.
05
Designed for adaptable meditation practices in various weather conditions.

The meditation cabin, located in the Earth Energies Sanctuary in New Zealand, offers a peaceful environment for personal reflection and mindfulness. Surrounded by a clearing and native trees, the design emphasizes a strong connection to nature. The cabin serves as a dedicated space for meditation practitioners, focusing on simplicity and harmony. The overall concept features a circular layout that promotes inclusivity and removes typical hierarchies found in conventional buildings.

Circular Layout

The circular design of the cabin allows it to blend with the landscape, inviting users to engage with their surroundings. This shape fosters feelings of openness while also supporting both individual experiences and group activities. By eliminating corners, the layout contributes to a sense of fluidity, important for creating a calming atmosphere that encourages concentration.

Thermal Wall Feature

A key aspect of the cabin is the mud wall on the southern side. This wall serves multiple purposes, including housing an altar, a fireplace, and shelves for meditation essentials. It plays a crucial role in thermal regulation by absorbing heat during daytime hours and releasing it at night. This function ensures that the indoor climate remains comfortable for users, enhancing the meditation experience.

Flexible Walls

The walls, designed to move like doors, are covered with woven flax, allowing light to enter and providing views of the outdoors. This feature enables users to adjust the space according to their needs, creating a versatile environment for meditation. The ability to open or close the space depending on weather conditions or personal preference adds to the cabin's functionality.

Material and Sustainability

Prominent materials like rammed earth characterize the building, aligning with a focus on sustainability. This choice helps with thermal efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. The use of woven flax not only adds texture but also connects the cabin to local craftsmanship and cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of place.

The thoughtful arrangement of spaces within the cabin allows natural light to flood in, creating inviting areas for meditation. The design encourages a balance between indoor comfort and outdoor connection, making it a suitable retreat for anyone seeking tranquility.

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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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