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Charred Wooden Shingles and Large Glass Panels Create a Serene Retreat in Latvia's Boglands

Authors:
Elham Akbari kelishadi, Bahador Fallahiyan sichani
Charred Wooden Shingles and Large Glass Panels Create a Serene Retreat in Latvia's Boglands

Project in-detail

The use of charred wooden shingles and expansive glass panels combines with thoughtful space optimization to create a tranquil yoga retreat that seamlessly integrates into the Latvian bog landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural strength and sustainability.
03
Features large glass panels that create a seamless connection between interior and nature.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to maximize space efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
05
Located in Latvia's unique bog landscape, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

## Overview

Located in the tranquil bog landscapes of Latvia, the yoga cabin serves as a retreat designed to enhance mental well-being and physical wellness. The project seeks to engage occupants with its natural surroundings, promoting a holistic experience that reflects the area’s unique topography and ecological qualities. The architectural design aims to facilitate a harmonious relationship between the structure and its environment, fostering a calming atmosphere suitable for yoga and meditation practices.

### Spatial Strategy

The cabin's layout is carefully organized into distinct functional zones, including areas for yoga, relaxation, dining, and utility purposes. The design encourages fluid movement throughout the spaces, ensuring a cohesive experience. Large windows and open areas enable a seamless interaction between indoor and outdoor environments, effectively drawing in natural light and framing views of the picturesque landscape. The central yoga hall is characterized by high ceilings that amplify its serene ambiance, while the interconnected kitchen and living areas promote communal engagement.

### Material Selection

A thoughtful selection of materials plays a significant role in shaping the aesthetic and tactile experience of the cabin. Timber cladding serves as the primary exterior material, corresponding with the organic quality of the surrounding environment. Large glass panels allow for abundant natural light, enhancing visual connectivity to the landscape. Concrete elements provide stability, while local wood is utilized in furniture, aligning with the project’s sustainable principles. Stone accents enrich both exterior and interior spaces, further grounding the design in its natural context. This materiality framework emphasizes durability and a minimalist aesthetic, contributing to the overall harmonious integration of the cabin within its environment.

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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
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