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Timber Beams and Diagonal Ridge Create a Tranquil Retreat for Meditation

Author:
Louise Uchoa lopes pereira
Timber Beams and Diagonal Ridge Create a Tranquil Retreat for Meditation

Project in-detail

With a diagonal roof ridge and a central meditation area, the cabin integrates timber beams and expansive glass façades to create a serene retreat that emphasizes mindfulness in a natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation area is centrally located to enhance focus and tranquility.
02
Diagonal roof ridge creates dynamic internal spaces and visual interest.
03
Large glass façades facilitate natural light and views of nature.
04
Timber beams provide structural support and warmth to the interior.
05
Bathroom facilities feature a separate entrance, maintaining privacy and accessibility.

The Silent Meditation Cabin, designed by Ozolini Teamakers, is located in a peaceful area that promotes self-reflection and mindfulness. In a world filled with constant stimulation, the cabin offers a space for meditation, helping individuals find clarity and acceptance within themselves. The design aims to integrate the structure with the natural surroundings, creating a retreat that encourages a connection between one’s inner thoughts and the environment outside.

Design Layout

The layout of the cabin centers on a meditation area, serving as the main feature of the building. This space allows for various levels of interaction with nature through façades that include both closed and open sections. Some parts are completely blind, while others open up to an expansive outdoor deck. This arrangement helps blend indoor and outdoor experiences, enhancing the atmosphere for users who seek tranquility.

Spatial Organization

On either side of the meditation area, functional spaces are arranged to support the overall use of the cabin. Rooms for sleeping, eating, and heating connect seamlessly without relying on excessive walls that would disrupt the feeling of space. The bathroom area is thoughtfully positioned away from the central block, offering a separate entrance for easy access. This design choice not only ensures privacy but also keeps the main areas uncluttered.

Roof Structure

The roof of the cabin features steep pitches, commonly found in northern designs, reaching a unique diagonal ridge. This roof style adds character to the building and increases the livable space on the mezzanine level. It introduces interesting shapes and forms, bringing light into the cabin while allowing for physical openness.

Material Expressions

Material choice plays a significant role in the design of the Silent Meditation Cabin. Timber beams provide strong support, while wood paneling creates a warm and inviting interior. Large windows and glass doors let in plenty of light and offer views of the surrounding landscape. This connection to nature is vital for the retreat experience, allowing individuals to feel both protected and part of their environment.

The combination of these design elements contributes to a space that emphasizes meditation and reflection, creating an experience rooted in both simplicity and functionality.

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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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