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Triangular Meditation Retreat Emphasizing Local Wood and Natural Light

Authors:
Prajal Pradhan, Mahesh Maharjan, Kusum Shrestha, Karishma Manandhar
Triangular Meditation Retreat Emphasizing Local Wood and Natural Light

Project in-detail

A triangular shell formed from local wood and designed to maximize natural light creates a serene environment for meditation and self-discovery.
5 key facts about this project
01
Triangular shell design enhances structural integrity while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Locally sourced wood minimizes environmental impact and supports sustainability.
03
Rainwater collection system utilizes natural resources for practical use.
04
Large openings promote natural light and strengthen the indoor-outdoor connection.
05
Flexible loft area accommodates various activities, enhancing space usability.

The project is set in a tranquil natural environment, designed as a retreat space for meditation with roots in traditional eastern practices. The focus is on creating a deep connection between the meditator and the surroundings. The main feature is a triangular shell form, which embodies the concepts of protection and introspection. Drawing from the postures of Padmasana and Bajrasana, the design provides a supportive space for meditation while ensuring a harmonious relationship with nature.

Design Concept

The layout starts with an entrance area, which includes essential facilities such as a kitchenette and lobby. From this functional core, the design opens up into wider spaces that allow natural light to fill the interiors. These large openings frame views of the outdoor greenery, fostering a peaceful atmosphere conducive to meditation. The arrangement encourages users to engage with the landscape, enhancing their focus and sense of calm.

Materiality and Sustainability

Locally sourced wood features prominently in the interior, chosen for its minimal environmental impact and its visual warmth. This decision helps to create a strong connection between the building and its natural context. The use of wood not only supports the principles of sustainability but also contributes to a distraction-free space. The resulting atmosphere encourages users to immerse themselves fully in their meditation practice.

Functional Elements

Practicality is an important aspect of the design, clearly reflected in the rainwater collection system that utilizes water from melting snow. This efficient resource management highlights a commitment to sustainability. The presence of a fireplace in the main hall adds comfort, providing warmth and creating an inviting environment for meditation sessions.

Versatility of Space

A loft area provides additional flexibility, serving as an option for sleeping or extra meditation space. This adaptability allows for a range of individual preferences and experiences within the retreat. By including these various elements, the design creates a peaceful environment that supports personal exploration and self-discovery.

The project emphasizes the connection between indoors and outdoors. Large openings link the interior spaces to the green landscape outside, drawing nature into the experience of meditation. This careful arrangement enhances the overall atmosphere, making the environment both calming and inspiring.

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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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