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Circular Retreat with Thermowood and Central Hearth for Meditation

Author:
Jin Liu
Circular Retreat with Thermowood and Central Hearth for Meditation

Project in-detail

With its circular form and central hearth constructed from durable Thermowood, the design creates a harmonious retreat nestled in the Latvian forest for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular shape promotes a sense of infinity and introspection.
02
Central hearth functions as a focal point for warmth and gathering.
03
Incorporates doors with a mosquito net to enhance indoor-outdoor connection.
04
Constructed with Thermowood for durability in varying weather conditions.
05
Rainwater harvesting system supports sustainability and self-sufficiency.

The Medirest cabin is a peaceful structure located in the forests of Latvia. Designed as a space for meditation, it features a circular base topped with a polygonal form. This design choice represents infinity and encourages introspection, offering a cozy retreat in tune with nature. The layout enhances interaction with the surrounding environment, making it an inviting place for users to relax and reflect.

Structural Design

The circular base supports an intriguing polygonal top, creating a unique appearance. Central to the cabin is a hearth, which provides heat and light and acts as a gathering point. This design element fosters a sense of community and warmth, allowing occupants to share moments of reflection and connection.

Connection with Nature

The cabin incorporates doors within its circular walls, allowing for easy access and a connection to the outdoors. This design promotes airflow and provides views of the forest. The inclusion of a mosquito net door ensures comfort without losing the connection to the natural surroundings, creating an enjoyable experience for users.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is central to the cabin's design. It uses renewable energy for lighting with solar-powered fixtures and battery-operated LEDs. A composting dry toilet system adds to its eco-friendly features, while rainwater is collected for water usage. These choices reduce the project’s impact on the environment while making it self-sufficient.

Material Selection

The base of the cabin is made from Thermowood, selected for its durability against the local weather. This material choice demonstrates careful planning for maintenance and longevity. It ensures that the cabin stands up to the elements while remaining in harmony with its natural setting.

The Medirest cabin offers a quiet space where design and nature come together. With its thoughtful details and practical features, it encourages users to focus on meditation and well-being in a carefully designed environment that promotes peace and reflection.

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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

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