Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

A Mindful Cabin Retreat with a Rainwater Collection System

Authors:
Yuting Zhang, Huopu Zhang
A Mindful Cabin Retreat with a Rainwater Collection System

Project in-detail

With a trapezium shape that amplifies natural sounds and a rainwater collection system for sustainability, the cabin offers a serene retreat for meditation and contemplation in the Latvian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Right trapezium shape amplifies natural sounds.
02
Large windows provide stunning landscape views.
03
Compact layout organizes facilities within a thick wall.
04
Wood-burning fireplace enhances cabin usability.
05
Rainwater collection system integrated beneath sleeping area.

Situated in the tranquil landscapes of Latvia, the Silent Meditation Cabin is designed for those seeking peace and a deep connection to nature. Inspired by traditional Latvian architecture, the cabin's unique right trapezium shape enhances the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves, creating an immersive environment. This thoughtful design allows visitors to engage more deeply with their thoughts and surroundings, enriching their experience of meditation and introspection.

Design Concept and Spatial Organization

The cabin’s form is more than just a sheltered space; it is a device for perception. By amplifying the subtle sounds of the environment, it invites calm into daily life and fosters a stronger bond with the natural world.

Inside, the spaces are clearly organized from public to private areas. Upon entering, visitors are in the main meditation area, which features large windows that provide beautiful views of the landscape. The interior is designed for flexibility, allowing for activities like meditation, reading, and tea-making. This functional layout makes the space welcoming and highly adaptable.

Materiality

The cabin was constructed using prefabricated modules, which were efficiently assembled on-site. The structure is supported by four concrete piers for stability. The exterior features a pine frame that remains exposed on the inside, creating a direct connection to the natural setting. The interior uses light-colored plywood for a warm atmosphere, while natural pine-wood panels provide insulation to keep the space comfortable throughout the year.

Functional Elements

The compact layout effectively organizes all necessary facilities—a bathroom, kitchen, study area, and wardrobe—into a “thick wall” along one edge of the cabin. A wood-burning fireplace and a small stove for making tea enhance the usability of the space. Additional features, such as sliding doors and operable windows with mosquito screens, further strengthen the relationship between the cabin and its natural surroundings. A rainwater collection system gathers water from the roof and stores it beneath the sleeping area.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy