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Triangular Retreat With Elevated Wood Frames in Serene Landscape

Authors:
Jonas Zink, Ruth Bartelmann, Lars Standop
Triangular Retreat With Elevated Wood Frames in Serene Landscape

Project in-detail

Elevated wood frames define a tranquil cabin retreat, seamlessly integrated into the landscape with triangular openings that invite natural light, creating an ideal space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Triangular roof design enhances natural light and ventilation.
02
Elevated floor structure provides a unique perspective of the landscape.
03
Wood frames define distinct activity zones within the cabin.
04
Pillars adapt to the natural terrain, reinforcing site connection.
05
Meditation area features a specific triangular opening for light immersion.

The design presents a cabin that serves as a retreat for meditation and personal reflection. Located in a natural setting, it emphasizes the concept of thresholds that transition visitors from the outside world into a calm interior space. This careful arrangement allows people to leave their daily distractions behind and engage more fully with their surroundings. The project organizes different areas for various activities while maintaining a sense of unity throughout.

Threshold Spaces

Thresholds are a key feature in the design, allowing individuals to slow their pace as they approach the cabin. These transitional areas guide visitors and create a mindful journey. Each zone within the cabin is clearly defined yet still connected, promoting exploration. The careful separation of spaces serves to create specific atmospheres that encourage meditation and reflection.

Structural Form

The cabin features a triangular shape, which provides both stability and a visual connection to the surrounding landscape. The floor is slightly elevated, offering occupants a new perspective of the environment. The roof uses traditional methods designed for the local climate, while its interior layout fosters a calming experience that complements the building's purpose.

Materiality and Foundation

Wood is the main material used in the design. Its texture and warmth create a welcoming atmosphere. The aroma of wood enhances the connection to nature. The foundation of the cabin thoughtfully adapts to the uneven terrain, using small pillars that navigate rocks and roots. This design choice respects the natural landscape and promotes a strong connection between the building and its site.

Meditation Space

A special area dedicated to meditation features a triangular opening that invites sunlight inside. This design aspect creates a fresh perspective, encouraging users to engage with the outside world. Steps lead to a raised platform, promoting mindful movement within the space. The overall design fosters a balanced relationship between the structure, the landscape, and the experience of 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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