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Birch Wood Cabins Embracing Natural Water Flow for Meditation Retreat

Author:
Sebastian Salas canitrot
Birch Wood Cabins Embracing Natural Water Flow for Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed from local birch wood and integrating a water journey feature, the meditation cabins provide a tranquil retreat designed for individual reflection and community connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from locally sourced birch wood to align with environmental principles.
02
Includes large sliding and folding windows to enhance natural light and ventilation.
03
Features a unique water journey that culminates in a serene waterfall.
04
The design incorporates movable furniture for personalized use and flexibility.
05
Inspired by Brazilian Cobogos, promoting both solitude and community within the space.

The COBOGO-LIKE MEDITATION CABINS project is located in a remote area near Ozolini, Latvia. It serves as a retreat for individuals wanting to find peace and engage in personal reflection. The design concept is influenced by Brazilian Cobogos, which emphasize privacy and tranquility while providing a modern interpretation of meditation spaces. The cabins are intended to create an immersive experience, allowing visitors to connect with nature while enjoying moments of solitude.

Design Concept

The main concept focuses on creating quiet spaces ideal for meditation and introspection. The layout of the cabins facilitates both private and communal experiences, enabling guests to appreciate the natural setting without feeling exposed. Key design elements include large windows that allow abundant natural light to enter, fostering a calm and inviting atmosphere.

Cabin Features

Each cabin utilizes an open layout, making use of movable furniture to adapt to various activities and personal preferences. This flexibility helps occupants tailor their experience to their needs. The design incorporates three sliding windows on each side along with four folding windows that lead to an inner terrace. This allows for good air circulation and emphasizes a connection to the landscape outside.

Material Use

Sustainability is a central focus in the project, with the use of local materials, particularly birch wood, which is readily available in the region. This choice reflects a commitment to supporting local craftsmanship while minimizing environmental impact from transportation. The warm tones and textures of birch wood enhance the comfort of the interiors, creating a welcoming and calming environment for guests.

Water Feature

An engaging aspect of the design is the water journey that begins at the front terrace and flows towards a waterfall behind the cabins. This feature adds a sensory element to the experience, contributing to a feeling of serenity and relaxation. It responds to the local weather, using the natural sound of water as a backdrop. This design detail deepens the engagement with the environment, reinforcing the idea of cleansing and purification inherent in the meditation experience.

The structure allows for these thoughtful elements to harmonize with nature, where the sound of flowing water complements the tranquil setting of the cabins.

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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

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