Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Elevation Create a Tranquil Meditation Retreat in Latvia

Authors:
Roberto De oliveira castro, Anya maria Recinos, Carlos miguel Enriquez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Elevation Create a Tranquil Meditation Retreat in Latvia

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and elevated timber construction, this Latvian retreat seamlessly integrates with its forested surroundings to create a serene space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin features charred wooden shingles, promoting natural fire resistance and blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide durability and sustainability while enhancing thermal insulation.
03
The elevated structure minimizes ground moisture impact, offering a unique connection to natural light and views.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated to support sustainable living practices within the retreat.
05
A bent A-frame design allows for an expansive internal height, creating an open and airy meditation space.
The Silent Meditation Cabin is a carefully considered architectural project situated in the serene landscapes of Latvia, where dense forests and tranquil surroundings create an ideal environment for reflection and mindfulness. This design reflects an understanding of the relationship between architecture and nature, emphasizing a harmonious coexistence that enhances the user’s experience of the natural world. The cabin serves as a retreat space that facilitates meditation, relaxation, and reconnection with oneself, making it more than just a physical structure; it is a thoughtful exploration of inner peace.

Functionally, the Silent Meditation Cabin is divided into several distinct areas that cater to the various needs of its users. The design incorporates a primary meditation space, which is intended to evoke calm and facilitate focus. Natural light floods this area, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The sleeping quarters are designed to provide comfort and tranquility, ensuring that users can rest and rejuvenate in a peaceful setting. A compact kitchen and necessary facilities are included, enabling guests to prepare simple meals while maintaining the cabin’s understated elegance. This careful zoning within the cabin layout optimizes the user experience, allowing for fluid movement between spaces while prioritizing moments of solitude and contemplation.

Key elements of the design feature a thoughtful selection of materials that resonate with the surrounding environment. The use of wood cladding, for example, aligns the structure aesthetically with the dense forests while providing effective thermal insulation. Concrete walls ensure durability and longevity, contributing to the overall resilience of the cabin against various weather conditions. Additionally, the integration of vapor barriers and insulation highlights the project’s focus on environmental efficiency. The incorporation of elements such as timber screen panels further enhances the connection between the interior and exterior, allowing for natural ventilation while maintaining privacy.

The Silent Meditation Cabin showcases unique design approaches that enhance its functionality and connection to nature. One significant aspect is its strategic orientation, carefully planned to capture the changing light and views throughout the day. This consideration of light not only impacts the aesthetic experience within the cabin but also underscores the tranquil relationship between the inhabitants and their natural surroundings. Furthermore, the cabin is elevated on platforms, a thoughtful design choice that protects the living spaces from ground moisture and allows for a sense of elevation and openness to the sky.

Sustainability remains a core tenet of the Silent Meditation Cabin. The design incorporates systems such as biomas boilers and rainwater harvesting solutions, allowing for a degree of self-sufficiency that aligns with modern ecological practices. This commitment to sustainability not only benefits the environment but also enriches the user experience, encouraging a lifestyle that is respectful of natural resources.

The notion of community is also subtly woven into the design of the Silent Meditation Cabin, as provisions have been made for clustering multiple cabins within the vicinity. This creates opportunities for communal interaction while maintaining the privacy and tranquillity essential to the meditation experience. Such an approach fosters a sense of belonging among users, inviting the possibility of shared wellness journeys without compromising individual experiences.

The Silent Meditation Cabin exemplifies a finely tuned balance of architecture, environment, and human experience. It is a project that transcends traditional design principles, focusing instead on how a structure can enhance a person's connection to the natural world while providing spaces for introspection and relaxation. Readers interested in gaining deeper insights into this architectural endeavor are encouraged to explore its architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas. This project invites all who experience it to engage with both its physical and spiritual narratives, encouraging a fuller appreciation of architecture's potential in fostering well-being and reflection in nature.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy