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Underground Cabins for Introspection and Connection to Nature

Author:
Şerife ceren Yilmaz
Underground Cabins for Introspection and Connection to Nature

Project in-detail

Placed underground to enhance privacy and environmental harmony, the cabins provide dedicated spaces for meditation that encourage deep introspection and connection to the surrounding natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each cabin is positioned underground to enhance privacy and climate control.
02
The linear arrangement of the Monads fosters a collective sense of connection with nature.
03
Design integrates principles from Leibniz's philosophy, emphasizing individual meditation spaces.
04
Subterranean placement protects against harsh weather while promoting focus.
05
Cabins are specially designed to support emotional well-being through careful spatial organization.

The project focuses on the design of Monads, individual meditation cabins that encourage introspection and spiritual growth. Set between the village of Ozolini and a nearby lake, the layout interacts thoughtfully with its natural environment, creating a refuge for users to escape from everyday life and engage in personal reflection. The architectural concept highlights the significance of meditation, offering a space where self-awareness and tranquility can flourish.

Design Concept

Monads are conceptualized as unique spaces inspired by Leibniz's philosophy. Each cabin serves as an independent unit for meditation, allowing users to explore their thoughts without outside disturbances. The linear arrangement of these cabins ensures close ties to the landscape. This layout fosters a connection between personal experiences and the overall environment, enhancing the meditative journey.

Dimensions and Organization

The careful positioning of the cabins addresses environmental considerations and practical needs for temperature control and comfort. By placing the Monads underground, the design provides shelter from harsh weather conditions, allowing for a focused meditation practice. This choice not only promotes physical safety but also encourages a deeper sense of calm and self-reflection.

Spatial Relationships

The design considers how meditation relates to space, with its foundations grounded in Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The cabins satisfy basic physical and emotional needs, creating feelings of safety and belonging while also supporting personal growth. Each Monad is a private retreat, emphasizing the bond between the user and their surroundings. This connection is integral to fostering emotional well-being through intentional design.

In the execution of these Monads, attention to detail plays a critical role in creating a serene atmosphere. The lower positioning of the buildings within the landscape allows natural light and air to enter while maintaining privacy. The result is a calming sanctuary that works in harmony with its natural setting, embodying the core principles of meditation.

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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

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