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Birch-Bark Shelter with Thatch Insulation in a Forest Retreat

Authors:
Yuting Zhou, Fei Tian, Yiqing Yan
Birch-Bark Shelter with Thatch Insulation in a Forest Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with a birch-bark roof and thatch insulation, the cabin offers a tranquil retreat for meditation amidst the diverse woodlands of Ozolini.
5 key facts about this project
01
Uses a birch-bark roof for natural insulation and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates clay filling for thermal mass in walls and flooring.
03
Elevated on a foundation to adapt to the hilly landscape.
04
Features large openings to enhance views and natural light.
05
Employs a dry toilet system for sustainable waste management.

The Meditation Forest Cabin is situated in the tranquil woodlands of Ozolini, surrounded by a variety of mixed-species trees. The building is designed for meditation and offers basic living facilities. The concept focuses on simplicity and sustainability, working closely with the natural landscape, while taking cues from traditional architecture in Northern Europe.

Site Integration

The design features a well-thought-out layout that separates the meditation area from the compact living space. The meditation room is positioned to provide expansive views of the surroundings, with large openings that allow sunlight to bathe the interior. The living area, on the other hand, comes with essential amenities like a bathroom and kitchenette, prioritizing functional and straightforward living.

Materiality and Aesthetics

The exterior is marked by a single opening facade and an extending roof at the back, offering both shelter and visual unity. The choice of materials reflects a focus on local practices, including a birch-bark roof and clay filling for the walls and floor. Norway spruce is used for the stud walls, while birch logs make up the outer walls, with thatch providing insulation. These materials enhance the overall look and engage the senses with their natural textures and fragrances.

Thermal and Utility Considerations

Addressing thermal performance is crucial in the design, utilizing multi-layer insulation to cope with the cold winters of Ozolini. A wood stove facilitates both heating and electricity generation, making use of locally sourced gymnosperm wood. The cabin also employs a dry toilet system for easy upkeep and features a water collection tank equipped with filters to purify rainwater, highlighting the focus on sustainability.

Interior Experience

The layout inside is crafted to support a calm and reflective atmosphere. The thoughtful use of natural materials ensures a connection to the outdoors, promoting an environment suitable for meditation. Through the interplay of light and sound, along with the presence of the surrounding forest, the cabin fosters a deep sense of engagement with nature. The experience within the space invites individuals to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of their surroundings.

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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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