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Charred Spruce Cabins Elevating Mindfulness in a Latvian Forest

Authors:
Erik Aquino, Yuri Shin, Jessica Feng, Jasmin Kim
Charred Spruce Cabins Elevating Mindfulness in a Latvian Forest

Project in-detail

Elevated above the forest floor, the cabin employs charred spruce and white pine to create a serene space for meditation, seamlessly integrating tranquility with the surrounding Latvian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure minimizes ecological impact while providing panoramic views.
02
Hatch door entry enhances connection between interior and forest environment.
03
Cylindrical stumps guide visitors, creating a natural pathway to the cabin.
04
Recessed meditation space differentiates it from functional areas for focus.
05
Charred spruce exterior offers durability against weather conditions.

Levo is a meditation cabin situated in a peaceful forest in Latvia, positioned between the Ozolini teamakers and Lake Bezdibenė. The design focuses on creating a space for quiet reflection and mindfulness, emphasizing a strong relationship with nature. By elevating the cabin above the forest floor, it encourages visitors to leave behind their daily distractions and engage deeply with their surroundings.

Design Concept

The idea behind Levo centers on elevation and the experience of space. The raised cabin offers a distinct viewpoint of the surrounding landscape, inviting visitors to appreciate their natural environment during their time of contemplation. Access to the cabin is provided via a footpath lined with cylindrical stumps of white pine, guiding visitors from the teamaker's site into the forest. This pathway helps set the mood for the peaceful experience that follows.

Spatial Arrangement

Inside Levo, visitors encounter a straightforward layout that presents continuous views of the forest and the lake. Entrance is achieved through a ladder and hatch door, emphasizing the connection between inside and outside. The design supports an easy movement pattern, allowing for smooth transitions between the meditation space, sleeping area, and dry toilet. Each part of the cabin serves a purpose while maintaining a calm atmosphere essential for meditation.

Materiality

The materials chosen for Levo enhance both its integrity and functionality. White pine columns stand in contrast to the darker hues of the surrounding trees while ensuring compatibility with the vertical lines of the forest. For the exterior, charred Norway spruce boards are used, which provide protection and durability against weather conditions. The elevation of the cabin minimizes its ecological footprint, showing consideration for the environment while presenting a unified aesthetic.

Meditative Experience

The meditation space within Levo has been carefully designed to promote a sense of calm. Its recessed layout sets it apart from the other functional areas, creating an environment focused solely on mindfulness. Soft northern light fills the space throughout the day, highlighting the tranquil qualities sought in a meditation cabin. Discreet storage solutions blend into the design, allowing users to concentrate on their thoughts without unnecessary distractions around them.

The cabin's design reflects a minimalist approach, featuring clean lines and simple forms that resonate with the surrounding nature. This allows users to find peace in their reflections while being enveloped by the quiet beauty of the forest.

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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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