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Vertical Serenity in Laminated Wood: a Meditation Retreat Amidst Nature

Authors:
Juan josé López, Joshua Valbuena carvajal, Laura silvana Moreno
Vertical Serenity in Laminated Wood: a Meditation Retreat Amidst Nature

Project in-detail

Constructed with laminated wood beams and a sloped roof that maximizes natural light, the design creates a tranquil meditation space that harmonizes with its forested surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to provide panoramic views of the surrounding forest.
02
Features a sloped roof that filters sunlight and creates dynamic shadows.
03
Includes a rotatable ladder for easy access between levels.
04
The upper level serves as an altar for processing flower essences.
05
Constructed with laminated wood beams for structural efficiency.

The Sloped Cabin is thoughtfully situated in a peaceful clearing surrounded by native bush and serves as a sanctuary for meditation. Its design reflects a focus on simplicity and the natural environment, combining form and function in a way that encourages reflection and tranquility. A minimalist prism shape rests on wooden beams, promoting a sense of lightness and harmony with the landscape.

Roof Design

The sloped roof is a key feature, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. It directs sunlight into the cabin, creating moving shadows that change throughout the day. This design enhances the peaceful atmosphere, making it suitable for contemplation. The northern facade is positioned to capture sunlight effectively, ensuring the interior remains warm and inviting.

Spatial Layout

Inside, the cabin features a vertical layout consisting of two levels, connected by a rotatable ladder. This arrangement allows for easy movement and flexibility between spaces. Indirect lighting reflects off the ceiling, providing soft illumination that contributes to a serene environment. Windows are strategically placed for taking in views of the surrounding forest, linking the occupants to nature even while inside.

Functional Areas

The upper level of the cabin serves as an altar for processing flower essences and is also designed as a private meditation space. It is well-positioned to receive sunlight from the north, reinforcing its purpose. This thoughtful arrangement supports individual spiritual practices while also facilitating group meditation, balancing solitude and connection.

The structure is built with laminated wooden beams connected with hidden steel plates, ensuring a clean and tidy appearance. This method reinforces the overall simplicity of the design while incorporating materials that are renewable. Raised above the ground, the cabin helps with water drainage, allowing grass and other vegetation to thrive beneath, which further enhances its relationship with the environment.

A notable detail is the emphasis on verticality, with the building reaching upward like a tree. This design choice not only enhances the spatial experience but also reinforces the connection between the structure and the surrounding landscape.

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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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