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Wooden Modules Embrace Serenity in Seasonal Meditation Cabins

Authors:
Christian Gabbiani, Elisa Porro
Wooden Modules Embrace Serenity in Seasonal Meditation Cabins
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Constructed using modular wooden elements, the meditation cabins seamlessly adapt to seasonal changes, providing versatile spaces that prioritize solitude and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins feature flexible furniture that can be retracted into walls for customizable meditation spaces.
02
Large windows contour to cabin profiles, ensuring privacy while maximizing natural light.
03
The design includes three distinct seasonal meditation spaces tailored for winter, summer, and mid-season use.
04
Wooden modules can be easily transported along narrow paths for simple construction on-site.
05
Each cabin emphasizes user participation in building through the assembly of wooden boxes.

The design focuses on creating spaces for meditation that connect deeply with nature, enhancing the experience of reflection and spirituality. Each cabin is situated in a tranquil setting, aimed at providing a personal retreat that responds to the seasons. The concept emphasizes simplicity, functional space, and a close relationship with the surrounding environment.

Cabin Configuration

Every cabin is built around pure internal volumes that define the meditation space. These volumes are discreet from the outside, featuring large windows that allow natural light while ensuring privacy. This thoughtful approach creates a soothing atmosphere that supports meditation and introspection.

Flexible Space Utilization

To make the most of the limited floor space, each cabin incorporates flexible design features. Furniture can be tucked away into walls, enabling users to adapt the space according to their individual needs. The fireplace acts as a central element, contributing to the calm environment and marking the focal point for meditation activities.

Seasonal Adaptation

The design includes three specific spaces for meditation, each suited to the changing seasons. In winter, the interior offers warmth and views of the snowy landscape. The cabin roof creates an opportunity for outdoor meditation in the summer, connecting users to the fresh air and panoramic views. Additionally, the sheltered area beneath the cabins serves as a cozy environment for mid-season meditation.

Materiality and Construction

A low-technology approach defines the construction of the cabins. The outdoor envelope consists of wooden modules that can be easily carried along narrow paths in the forest. Inside, wooden boxes allow for assembly by the users, inviting them to take part in the building process. Services such as heating, lighting, and water are managed through user interaction, requiring firewood collection for heating and storage tanks for water while solar energy provides light.

The design emphasizes the relationship between the built environment and nature, where light and natural elements create a peaceful setting for meaningful meditation. It encourages users to engage fully in their practices, supporting a holistic experience of reflection.

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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.

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