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A Timber Cabin Designed for Reflection and Mindfulness

Authors:
Florian Glenn David Reisacher, Johannes Düber
A Timber Cabin Designed for Reflection and Mindfulness
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The article examines a meditation cabin concept located in the forests of Ozolnieki, Latvia. It considers how traditional and contemporary architectural elements are combined to support reflection, relaxation, and connection with nature
5 key facts about this project
01
Triangular hut reflects traditional Latvian building styles.
02
Circular meditation space emphasizes openness and continuity.
03
Entrance marked by a protective canopy for guidance.
04
Central fireplace enhances warmth and spatial orientation.
05
Local timber promotes sustainability and ecological integration.

Merge Meditation Cabin is a conceptual proposal situated in the forests of Ozolnieki, Latvia. Designed as a retreat for meditation and self-reflection, it combines elements of Latvian cultural heritage with contemporary spatial strategies. The intent is to provide a quiet environment where individuals can withdraw from daily life and establish a closer connection with nature.

Spatial Strategy
The composition is defined by two primary geometric forms: a triangular hut referencing traditional building typologies and a circular meditation space symbolizing openness and continuity. This duality balances enclosure and exposure, accommodating both individual retreat and collective use. A protective canopy marks the entrance, guiding visitors into the interior. The circular meditation area avoids sharp angles, reinforcing an atmosphere of calm and uninterrupted focus. A fireplace forms a central feature, contributing warmth, spatial orientation, and thermal energy capture within the cabin.

Materiality and Sustainability
Timber is employed as the main structural material, establishing both a tactile link to the surrounding forest and a sustainable construction approach. Wooden shingles clad the roof, while glass panels allow natural light to filter into the interior and provide views of the landscape. Windows are strategically positioned to maximize daylight, and provisions for rainwater harvesting extend the project’s ecological scope. The use of local materials, together with the integration of sustainable systems, situates the cabin within its environmental and cultural context.

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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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Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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Eligibility Open to all
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