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Translucent Roof Circle and Straw Panels Enhance Mindfulness in Timber Cabin

Author:
Hyemin Kim
Translucent Roof Circle and Straw Panels Enhance Mindfulness in Timber Cabin

Project in-detail

A translucent roof circle allows natural light to penetrate the timber cabin while straw panels provide insulation, creating an inviting environment tailored for mindfulness and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
A translucent roof circle creates dynamic light patterns inside the cabin.
02
Straw panels enhance insulation while promoting sustainable practices.
03
The panelled frame introduces a rhythmic quality that engages users with light and shadow.
04
Seating options cater to varied meditative practices and personal comfort.
05
The design encourages a strong connection with the surrounding natural environment.

The meditation cabin project provides a calm space designed for reflection and self-discovery. Located in a natural setting, the structure serves as a dedicated area for mindfulness practices. The design concept focuses on enhancing sensory experiences, allowing users to better understand themselves and the environment around them. This integration of light, space, and material creates an inviting atmosphere for meditation.

Spatial Configuration
The layout of the cabin carefully leads individuals from the outside world into the inner meditation area. Once inside, users find themselves in a space that encourages focus and calmness. The arrangement is deliberate, minimizing distractions and guiding users into a state of contemplation. The design fosters a connection to the natural surroundings, further supporting the meditative experience.

Panel Design
A key feature of the cabin is the panelled frame, which introduces a play of light and shadow. The panels are arranged to let natural light enter the space at different angles and intensities. This not only adds visual interest but also helps create a tranquil atmosphere. Louvers are included in the design to manage the light, enhancing the ability of users to engage with their meditation practice.

Seating Arrangements
Seating is thoughtfully designed to meet various preferences for meditation. Users can choose from areas that offer isolation from distractions or spots that enhance a connection with nature. This flexibility acknowledges that everyone has different ways of meditating. Comfort is prioritized, which further aids in achieving mindfulness during practice.

Material Selection
The materials used in the cabin contribute significantly to its inviting nature. Wood flooring adds warmth and a sense of comfort. Straw panels and wood cladding provide insulation, which helps maintain good air quality within. Timber construction adds stability to the design while blending well with the natural landscape.

A central translucent circle in the roof design allows for natural light to enter while creating a view of the sky above. This feature connects the indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing the experience of those meditating inside.

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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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