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Weaving Nature with Living Willow for a Mindful Retreat Space

Author:
Ali Adnan
Weaving Nature with Living Willow for a Mindful Retreat Space

Project in-detail

Crafted from living willow and designed with a circular layout to enhance natural light, this retreat space fosters mindfulness and community engagement in a harmonious setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted primarily from living willow, allowing for natural growth and adaptation over time.
02
The design incorporates a circular layout to enhance community interaction and mindfulness.
03
Utilizes garden twine for securing structural components, emphasizing sustainable practices.
04
Natural light is optimized through a dome shape, creating dynamic interior atmospheres.
05
Incorporates a weed barrier fabric to ensure structural stability while minimizing environmental impact.

The Bath House is a distinctive architectural design project that emphasizes a harmonious relationship between built structures and natural settings. Located within a lush landscape, the design aims to foster wellness and mindfulness among its visitors. This project consists of a dome-shaped structure crafted primarily from natural materials, highlighting a commitment to environmental sustainability while serving as a functional space for personal reflection and community gatherings.

The Bath House represents a paradigm shift in how architecture can enhance human experience through its integration with nature. It serves multiple functions, including spaces for meditation, art, and social interactions. The project exemplifies how thoughtful design can improve both the physical and psychological well-being of individuals. Its circular layout promotes a sense of unity and inclusivity, facilitating communal activities while maintaining individual privacy when needed.

The unique characteristics of this project are rooted in its material selection and structural innovations. Utilizing living materials such as willow whips, the design establishes a direct connection to the environment. The frame of the structure is formed by weaving these willows, creating a biotic architecture that continues to grow and adapt over time. This approach is not commonly seen in contemporary architectural designs. Additionally, the inclusion of a weed barrier fabric ensures structural stability while minimizing environmental impact. The use of strong garden twine to secure components further enhances the project's sustainability.

The interior of the Bath House is thoughtfully designed to accommodate various activities, making it a versatile space. Natural light penetration is maximized through the dome's design, allowing for a dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. This element enriches the user experience and underscores the connection with nature. The overall aesthetic resonates with the natural surroundings, ensuring the structure blends seamlessly into its environment while inviting visitors to engage with both the space and the landscape.

The Bath House project highlights innovative design approaches that prioritize environmental consciousness and human experience. By utilizing natural and locally sourced materials, the design fosters a sustainable architectural practice that encourages mindfulness and community interaction. To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of this unique architectural endeavor.

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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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