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Timber Cabin with Elevated Meditation Space in a Forest Retreat

Authors:
Kit yeung garrick Chan, Nina gabrielle rivera Sanchez, Chang Lei
Timber Cabin with Elevated Meditation Space in a Forest Retreat

Project in-detail

The cabin's raised timber platform and eye-level views create a unique meditation experience, blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest to serve as a tranquil retreat for reflection and nourishment of the spirit.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin incorporates a raised timber platform for enhanced connection to the forest.
02
Eye-level view cutouts promote focused meditation while limiting distractions.
03
A ladder provides access to the upper meditation space, emphasizing verticality.
04
Timber cladding fosters a seamless blend with the natural environment.
05
The design encourages a gradual transition from indoor comfort to outdoor exploration.

The cabin serves as a peaceful retreat located within a lush forest environment. It is designed to provide an escape from the demands of everyday life while encouraging a connection with nature. The central concept focuses on creating a refuge that promotes mindfulness and self-reflection, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in a serene landscape.

Concept and Design Intent

The theme of refuge is central to the cabin's design, where spaces are specifically crafted for meditation and quiet contemplation. This creates an environment that fosters personal interaction with nature and self. The layout of the cabin is oriented inward, which encourages occupants to engage in reflective practices that highlight the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding forest.



Spatial Arrangement

Visitors approach the cabin via a raised timber platform, which elevates the space above the forest floor. This design choice provides a sense of safety and defines the boundary between the natural world and the cabin. Inside, the ground floor features adaptable living and sleeping areas, which can be used for various activities such as reading, relaxing, or simply enjoying solitude. The arrangement is intentional, aiming to create a welcoming atmosphere that nurtures personal growth and connection to the environment.



Meditation Space

A ladder leads to the upper meditation area, representing a transition into a more reflective space. The design allows for views at eye level, which helps create a focused atmosphere suitable for meditation. This encourages occupants to engage with the forest through these limited but intentional perspectives. The emphasis on filtered views promotes awareness of the natural surroundings, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the environment.



Perspective and Interaction

Climbing to the roof offers a new perspective, enhancing the overall experience of the cabin. From this elevated position, residents can take in the expanse of the forest in a way that contrasts with the intimacy of the cabin interior. An easy path leads back down, guiding inhabitants to continue their exploration of the natural setting.



Timber cladding surrounds the cabin, providing warmth and a tangible connection to the environment. The design carefully integrates with nature, capturing the essence of tranquility and self-reflection. Each detail contributes to a harmonious experience, fostering a lasting relationship between the individual and the forest.

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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
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