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Triangular Solar Panels Enhance Natural Light in Compact Meditation Cabin

Author:
Simone Ciferri
Triangular Solar Panels Enhance Natural Light in Compact Meditation Cabin

Project in-detail

The integration of triangular solar panels with extensive glass walls in a compact cabin offers an abundance of natural light and facilitates sustainable energy use, creating an optimal environment for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin's design maximizes natural light through expansive glass walls.
02
Triangular solar panels enhance energy efficiency while serving as a distinctive design element.
03
Wood and glass materials create a harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape.
04
The minimalist interior promotes mindfulness and personal reflection.
05
Serotonin production is encouraged through abundant daylight, improving occupant well-being.

NEST is an ecological meditation cabin designed to create a deep connection with the surrounding landscape. Located in a natural setting, it serves as a retreat for quiet reflection and mindfulness. The design emphasizes integration with nature and focuses on light and sustainability, aiming to offer a calm space for meditation.

Materials

The cabin primarily uses wood and glass. Wood brings warmth and comfort to the structure, which invites feelings of peace. The expansive glass walls allow plenty of sunlight to enter. This design choice enhances the visual appeal and supports the occupants' well-being by promoting the flow of natural light.

Energy Use

A key feature of NEST is its triangular solar panels positioned on the roof. These panels are arranged to capture sunlight efficiently, converting it into electricity. This feature empowers the cabin with energy for essential functions such as lighting and heating while remaining environmentally friendly. It aligns well with the overall goal of sustainability.

Interior Layout

The interior of the cabin follows a minimalist layout that fosters calmness and connection with nature. The design is open and airy, allowing occupants to feel part of the landscape even while inside. This thoughtful arrangement encourages moments of leisure and personal reflection, making it an ideal space for meditation.

NEST stands as a model for modern ecological living, where thoughtful choices about materials, energy, and design come together. The interplay of light and space creates an environment that connects people with nature, enhancing their experience while encouraging a tranquil lifestyle.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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