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Translucent Skin and Natural Timber for Therapeutic Retreat

Author:
Désirée Abboud
Translucent Skin and Natural Timber for Therapeutic Retreat

Project in-detail

The combination of translucent skin and natural timber creates a tranquil retreat that enhances therapeutic practices while promoting a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin incorporates a translucent skin that enhances natural light variation throughout the day.
02
Green plants are strategically placed to support a calming and therapeutic environment.
03
The longitudinal roof design draws inspiration from local architectural traditions.
04
Interior spaces allow for fluid movement and distinct areas for interaction.
05
Access is provided through an inwardly extruded door for an inviting entrance.

The therapeutic cabin is designed to create a calming environment, set in a natural landscape that enhances its purpose. It focuses on supporting mental well-being through the intelligent use of light and color, alongside an emphasis on spatial experience. The layout encourages an open connection to the surrounding area, allowing users to immerse themselves in nature while finding comfort in a therapeutic setting.

Design Concept

The architectural approach merges contemporary and traditional elements, particularly with its longitudinal rooftop, which draws inspiration from local housing styles. This choice respects regional traditions and serves a practical function for the building. The cabin is intended to create a balanced relationship with its environment, inviting people to experience both inside and outside as interconnected spaces.

Materials and Structure

A translucent skin surrounds the cabin, enabling light to flood the interior during daylight hours. This natural light creates a calm atmosphere, while the contrast with darkness at night enhances the perception of space within. The use of natural timber in the structure adds warmth and reinforces the connection to the landscape. Together, these materials contribute to a sensory experience that promotes a sense of peace, essential for therapeutic activities.

Interior Layout

The interior is organized to prioritize user experience, ensuring comfort and accessibility. Distinct areas within the cabin support different interactions between the therapist and client. An inwardly extruded door serves as a welcoming entry point. Adding to the soothing environment, green plants are integrated throughout the space, enhancing its calming effects and aligning with the cabin’s healing purpose.

Design Detailing

Attention to detail is evident in the balance of mass and void within the cabin. This thoughtful arrangement allows for moments of reflection alongside opportunities for engagement. The careful use of color and transparency contributes to the tranquil atmosphere. A notable aspect is how light enters the cabin, casting shifting shadows that change throughout the day. This dynamic quality adds to the overall experience, making it rich and visually interesting for those who use the space.

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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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