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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Serene Meditation Retreat in Latvia

Authors:
Emanuel Etzersdorfer, Cornelia Laule
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Serene Meditation Retreat in Latvia

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and local stone, the design fosters a tranquil environment for meditation while harmonizing with the Latvian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced stone, enhancing thermal performance.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic character and fire resistance.
03
The incorporation of cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
04
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation.
05
Design promotes a strong connection to the surrounding natural environment.

## Overview
Located in eastern Latvia, the project is designed to harmonize with the area's abundant natural environments, which include extensive forest coverage and protected landscapes. This facility serves as a space for mindfulness and community engagement while reflecting a commitment to preserving the local ecology and enhancing the surrounding natural context. The design draws inspiration from traditional rural architecture, aiming to create a functional and aesthetically integrated space that resonates with regional heritage.

## Materiality and Construction
The architectural composition employs a combination of local materials that promote ecological sustainability and sensory engagement. The exterior features thick stone walls, providing thermal mass and anchoring the structure within the landscape. Internally, a prefabricated timber core introduces flexibility and energy efficiency, achieving a contrast between the solid stone base and the lighter wooden elements. Large glass openings facilitate natural light, creating visual connections with the surrounding nature while fostering a sense of tranquility. Additionally, the use of recyclable and eco-friendly materials throughout the project underscores a broader commitment to sustainable practices.

## Spatial Organization
The facility's layout is strategically designed to cater to diverse user needs, comprising designated areas for hosting, relaxation, and meditation. The ground floor includes service areas, dining facilities, and a host space, seamlessly connecting to an outdoor terrace. The first floor accommodates dormitories and private staff areas alongside communal lounges, encouraging both personal retreat and social interaction. The second floor is exclusively dedicated to meditation, featuring a silence chamber and relaxation spaces under semi-transparent ceilings, which enhance natural light and promote serenity. The overall spatial organization emphasizes usability while fostering a sense of community and connection to the 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
competition now

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