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Translucent Polycarbonate Roofs and Macrocapa Alcoves in a Private Forest Retreat

Author:
Emmanuel Barraud
Translucent Polycarbonate Roofs and Macrocapa Alcoves in a Private Forest Retreat

Project in-detail

With its translucent polycarbonate roofing and warm Macrocapa alcoves, the design delivers a serene retreat for meditation, harmonizing architectural form with the natural forest environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent polycarbonate roofing enhances natural light while reducing energy needs.
02
Warm Macrocapa wood construction provides durability and a connection to the natural environment.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer both fire resistance and aesthetic texture.
04
A flexible layout accommodates both individual and communal meditation practices.
05
Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest, minimizing visual impact.
The "Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin" is an architectural project designed as a retreat space that emphasizes mindfulness and a connection to nature. This small structure is strategically situated within a serene forest environment, aiming to integrate the user experience with the surrounding landscape. The project seeks to create a vessel for meditation, reflection, and personal growth, encapsulating the concepts of inward and outward breathing to foster a deeper engagement with the environment.

The design prioritizes functionality and adaptability, accommodating a range of activities from solitary meditation to group gatherings. The layout is characterized by a series of defined spaces that guide users through different areas of contemplation, reinforcing the journey inward while maintaining an overarching dialogue with the natural surroundings.

Unique Aspects of the Design Approach

One notable feature of the "Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin" is its extensive use of sustainable materials, which contributes to both ecological responsibility and aesthetic appeal. The primary materials include solid wood planks made from Macrocapa, which offer warmth and durability, while anodized aluminum panels provide structural strength and allow for generous window openings that maximize natural light. Solid polycarbonate sheets are utilized in the roofing, creating a diffused light effect that enhances the overall atmosphere within the cabin.

In addition, the design incorporates versatile structural elements, such as a rolling cabinet that serves dual purposes, acting as both a storage space and an altar for meditation supplies. This level of adaptability is essential to the project, allowing users to personalize their experience according to various needs and preferences.

A comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution reveals a thoughtfully organized flow that promotes engagement with the natural environment. The cabin's layout includes narrow corridors and private alcoves, providing users with intimate spaces for reflection amid expansive views of the surrounding forest.

Focus on Spatial and Material Integration

The "Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin" emphasizes biophilic design principles, ensuring that every element reflects a strong connection to the environment. The large openings and strategic placement of windows serve not only to illuminate the interior spaces but also to draw the eye toward the lush forest outside. This relationship helps dissolve the boundaries between indoor and outdoor experiences, underscoring the core intent of the project.

The careful selection of materials contributes significantly to the cabin's ecological footprint while enhancing the sensory experience of users. The use of local materials, combined with sustainable building practices, demonstrates a commitment to ecological integrity. Each material is chosen not only for its performance but also for its ability to resonate with the environment, creating a space that feels organic and cohesive.

Explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs of the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin for further insights into its construction and spatial strategies. Engage with the architecture of this project to understand better the innovative ideas that inform its unique approach to meditation and connection with nature.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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