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Translucent Veils and Reclaimed Timber Form a Mindful Retreat

Author:
Patrick Girdler
Translucent Veils and Reclaimed Timber Form a Mindful Retreat
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Translucent veils ripple gently overhead in a cabin constructed from reclaimed timber, creating an environment that fosters mindfulness and meditation amidst the serenity of a forested landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent veils create a dynamic light effect, allowing users to experience changing natural illumination throughout the day.
02
Bi-fold doors open fully to enhance connectivity with the surrounding forest environment.
03
The cabin’s low height encourages a respectful entrance, fostering a sense of humility.
04
Constructed entirely from local and reclaimed materials, emphasizing sustainability and ecological sourcing.
05
Passive climate control is achieved through strategically placed louvered windows for natural ventilation.

The Breath Cabin serves as a retreat for meditation and mindfulness, set within a tranquil forest environment. The design focuses on simplicity and calmness, creating a space that encourages self-reflection and a connection with nature. With its modest height and elegant form, the cabin promotes a sense of peace, inviting users to slow down and enjoy their surroundings.

Interior Layout

Inside, the cabin is organized into a foyer and a meditation space, separated by translucent veils that hang from the ceiling. These veils act as a visual focal point while also dividing the areas. Upon entering the meditation space, guests bow slightly, adding a respectful gesture to their experience. This layout allows users to engage deeply with the views of the natural surroundings, fostering a tranquil atmosphere.

Natural Light and Environment

Light plays an important role in the cabin's design. Sunlight filters gently through the recycled timber cladding and veils, creating an interplay of shadows and brightness that enhances the interior experience. The north and south facades include louvered clerestory windows that enhance airflow and help regulate temperature, maintaining comfort throughout the year without mechanical assistance.

Materiality

The cabin's exterior features a selection of recycled timber that adds texture and visual interest to the facade. This cladding includes Common Kauri Pine and New Zealand Kauri, which are sourced locally and contribute to sustainable building practices. The veils are made from undyed natural linens that soften the light entering the space, promoting a quiet and soothing ambiance within the cabin.

Final Detail

Under-floor heating, powered by solar energy, ensures that the interior remains comfortable during colder months. This element highlights the cabin's focus on sustainability, carefully balancing functionality with an appreciation for nature. The design encourages users to engage in a peaceful retreat, providing an environment that fosters mindfulness and reflection.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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