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Candlelit Retreat With Recycled Timber and Conical Forms

Authors:
Luca Gebhard, Madina Akkubekova, Valeria Sapigni
Candlelit Retreat With Recycled Timber and Conical Forms

Project in-detail

Constructed with recycled timber and characterized by conical shapes that blend with the forest, the cabin serves as a tranquil retreat focused on mental well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled timber is utilized for heating, reinforcing environmental sustainability.
02
Extensive glazing creates a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors.
03
Candle lighting with glass candelabra enhances the cabin's tranquil ambiance.
04
Conical forms mimic the surrounding pine trees, integrating the cabin with its environment.
05
A cabinet system organizes domestic functions, optimizing space efficiency.

The AOM cabin is an architectural design located in the peaceful Latvian forest. It serves as a retreat from the challenges of modern urban life, aiming to foster mental well-being in a tranquil setting. The design centers on creating a quiet and safe space that encourages reflection and relaxation, closely aligning with the natural environment.

Architectural Concept
The cabin is built to promote a calming atmosphere, responding to issues of stress and the need for environmental awareness. The layout includes a central area dedicated to mental activities, while everyday functions are organized within a series of cabinets. This design choice enhances the functionality of the space, all while keeping a clean and minimalist look.

Spatial Configuration
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding pine trees, the shape of the cabin resembles conical forms that blend with the landscape. This design helps reduce any visual disturbance, allowing the building to fit naturally within its setting. The geometric simplicity fosters a connection between the occupants and their environment, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the nature that surrounds them.

Environmental Control
The cabin focuses on practical solutions for heating and lighting. It operates in passive energy mode, which means users can manually adjust the interior climate to suit their needs. Skylights are carefully placed to bring in natural light, while side openings create opportunities for fresh air, maintaining comfort throughout different seasons.

Lighting and Interior Interaction
Candle lights enclosed in glass candelabra add both function and charm to the space. These lights can be directed along a rail, providing flexibility in the illumination. The extensive glass facade allows for constant interaction with the outdoors, making it feel as though nature is part of the cabin. The design encourages occupants to engage with the forest, making the experience more immersive.

The full glass facade not only floods the interior with light but also facilitates a strong connection to the forest, emphasizing the integration of living space with the natural world.

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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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