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Translucent Polycarbonate Walls Elevating Meditation in a Forest Cabin

Authors:
Valerija Denisova, Kiwon Hong
Translucent Polycarbonate Walls Elevating Meditation in a Forest Cabin

Project in-detail

With translucent polycarbonate walls that blur the lines between interior and nature, the cabin elevates meditation experiences while providing a sustainable refuge in a forest environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent walls allow for fluid interaction with nature while providing privacy.
02
The design features an elevated structure to integrate seamlessly with the forest floor.
03
Retractable stairs enhance accessibility while adding a playful element to the entrance.
04
Rainwater collection and filtration systems are embedded within the design for sustainability.
05
Geometric simplicity promotes a calming atmosphere suited for meditation and reflection.

The meditation cabin is designed to create a strong connection between individuals and their natural surroundings. Located in a forest, the cabin serves as a retreat for reflection and meditation. With its thoughtful design, it addresses the way modern life often separates people from nature, providing a space that encourages engagement with the outdoors.

Architecture Concept

This design prioritizes light and openness. Fully translucent walls allow sunlight to enter, making the interior feel airy and connected to the outside. These walls create an intimate setting, bringing the natural world indoors. The cabin’s clear geometric shapes promote a sense of tranquility, supporting its primary purpose as a space for mindfulness and inner peace.

Design Features

The cabin stands elevated, featuring a camouflage entrance and retractable stairs. This design choice enhances security while fostering a sense of warmth. Accessing the cabin requires a little effort, which invites users to reflect on their journey from the outside world to this peaceful space. Inside, a designated area of 3 meters by 3 meters accommodates various activities, maximizing the function of the cabin while focusing on meditation and personal growth.

Sustainability and Materiality

Sustainability plays a key role in the design. The cabin is built with respect for the forest ecosystem, following guidelines that minimize environmental impact. Its orientation allows for effective use of sunlight throughout the day. The structure consists of wood, covered with a membrane made from polycarbonate panels, polyester insulation recycled from PET bottles, and glass-fibre cloth. These materials enhance durability and energy efficiency while reinforcing the cabin’s natural aesthetic.

Functional Integrations

In addition to the primary design elements, the cabin includes features like rainwater collection and filtration systems. These aspects reflect a commitment to sustainable living, offering practical solutions for resource management. They are carefully integrated into the overall design, allowing occupants to engage with their environment in a responsible manner. This ecological focus strengthens the cabin's relationship with nature, promoting a lifestyle that values both mindfulness and sustainability.

The cabin’s design concludes with windows thoughtfully placed to frame views of the forest, enhancing the calm ambiance. These openings allow occupants to immerse themselves fully in the tranquility of the natural setting, reinforcing the purpose of this space as a retreat for meditation and reflection.

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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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