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Wood Columns and Glass Pavilion Embracing Nature in a Tranquil Retreat

Authors:
Ryan Debski, Alexa Hansford
Wood Columns and Glass Pavilion Embracing Nature in a Tranquil Retreat

Project in-detail

Set among towering trees, a glass pavilion anchored by wood columns creates a serene environment for meditation and self-reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Set within a forest, the cabin is elevated to minimize land impact.
02
Wood columns create a rhythmic structure that integrates with the landscape.
03
Large glass walls foster transparency and a direct connection to nature.
04
A composting toilet pavilion emphasizes sustainability and resource efficiency.
05
The design incorporates a winding pathway, enhancing the journey through the forest.

The Silent Forest Meditation Cabin is a thoughtfully designed space that connects with the natural environment, located in a peaceful forest setting. It functions as a retreat for meditation and self-reflection, inviting occupants to immerse themselves in the surrounding landscape. The design focuses on using elevation changes to enhance the experience between visitors and the forest, guiding them through a journey of exploration that encourages mindfulness.

Spatial Arrangement

The cabin features multiple levels, each serving a specific purpose. The entry level welcomes visitors with familiar sounds—the crunch of leaves and the presence of towering trees. This sensory experience helps cultivate a calm atmosphere, setting the stage for deeper reflection as occupants transition from the outside world to a more meditative state.



Functional Design

Level Two includes a composting toilet pavilion, which provides necessary amenities while supporting sustainability. The design is surrounded by a canopy of leaves, offering shelter from light rain. This practical setup allows occupants to stay engaged with nature, even in less than perfect weather conditions. Such careful planning maintains a strong connection to the environment during everyday activities.



Meditation and Reflection

The third level comprises a living area pavilion with a winding pathway that invites exploration. As individuals make their way up, they find themselves among wood columns that frame their journey, allowing light to permeate the space. This helps remind occupants of the beauty of the natural world and emphasizes the cabin's role in facilitating mindfulness.



Pinnacle Experience

At the top of the structure, the meditation pavilion provides a simple glass room designed for focus and tranquility. Inside, a single teapot sits as a subtle centerpiece. The pavilion includes a balcony offering expansive views of the forest. The glass walls create a sense of transparency, making it easy for occupants to feel they are part of the surrounding nature, enriching their experience of reflection and 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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