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Timber Cabin Elevated on Natural Stone with Textured Glass and Lotus-Inspired Shape

Author:
Mira Karjalainen
Timber Cabin Elevated on Natural Stone with Textured Glass and Lotus-Inspired Shape

Project in-detail

Elevated on natural stone and designed in the shape of a lotus, this cabin combines Accoya timber with textured glass to create a serene space dedicated to meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design is inspired by the lotus meditation pose, emphasizing serenity and inner peace.
02
Elevated on natural stone, the cabin enhances airflow and natural drainage.
03
Walls constructed with durable Accoya timber promote sustainability and long-lasting quality.
04
Textured glass windows provide privacy while allowing filtered natural light.
05
The open-plan layout accommodates various meditation practices, fostering community and personal reflection.

Tako is a meditation cabin designed to create a tranquil space for reflection and relaxation. Located within a well-maintained natural setting, the cabin emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and connection to the surrounding environment. The design is inspired by the lotus meditation pose, which establishes a serene atmosphere and encourages users to experience calmness and inner peace.

Spatial Configuration

The cabin’s open-plan layout promotes extensive views that connect the interior with the landscape outside. This arrangement accommodates up to five meditators, allowing for both personal contemplation and shared meditation experiences. The design provides a natural flow of movement, enabling individuals to move easily between different spaces within the cabin and the outdoor areas.

Window Design

Large windows are a key feature of the cabin, offering tinted and texturized glass that maintains privacy while still allowing light to enter. These windows enhance the relationship between the interior and nature, bringing colorful light into the space. Careful consideration was given to ensure that the views of the surroundings add to the meditative experience.

Structural Elements

The roof structure consists of beams that meet at a central point, supported by columns at each end. This approach provides both stability and a sense of lightness to the indoor space. The foundation utilizes traditional Japanese techniques, where the bases of the columns are shaped to fit securely on the rock below. This technique ensures the cabin is stable and resistant to moisture.

Material Use

Accoya timber is used for the walls, chosen for its strength and visual appeal. This choice reflects a commitment to environmentally friendly practices, aligning with the cabin’s goal of providing a peaceful retreat that blends with nature. Elevated about 0.5 to 0.6 meters above the ground, the cabin sits on piled stones, allowing for airflow and drainage while maintaining a connection to the landscape.

A lighted pathway guides visitors to the cabin, carefully designed to fit within the existing terrain. This pathway enhances the experience of approaching the cabin while minimizing impact on the environment.

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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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