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Clay Fireplace and Cozy Nook in a Tranquil Woodland Retreat

Authors:
Kasey Elliott, Grisha Camargo
Clay Fireplace and Cozy Nook in a Tranquil Woodland Retreat

Project in-detail

A clay fireplace anchors a cozy sleeping nook within a serene cabin, designed to facilitate meditation and connection to the surrounding woodlands.
5 key facts about this project
01
A central clay fireplace acts as both a heat source and spatial divider.
02
The sleeping nook is located near the roof rafters for enhanced coziness.
03
Large openings connect interior spaces with the surrounding forest.
04
The deck extends into the woodland, promoting outdoor engagement.
05
Design elements focus on fostering solitude and introspection.

The NICHE is located in the peaceful woods near Riga and serves as a retreat for meditation and reflection. It is designed to cultivate a strong connection with nature, providing a quiet space for individuals to escape the busyness of everyday life. The focus is on simplicity and warmth, creating an environment that encourages introspection.

Spatial Organization
The layout of the cabin carefully organizes spaces for different activities, creating a smooth transition between areas for meditation and daily living. A prominent feature is the fireplace, which provides warmth and light. It also acts as a central element that helps define the entry and living areas. This design choice fosters a welcoming environment, enhancing the overall meditative experience.

Connection to Nature
A deck extends from the structure, bridging the indoor area with the forest outside. This outdoor space allows occupants to enjoy their natural surroundings, promoting a deeper engagement with the landscape. The deck serves as a connection point, encouraging users to experience the tranquility of the woods and enhancing the feeling of being immersed in nature.

Intimate Nook
The sleeping nook, cleverly tucked away near the roof rafters, is an essential aspect of the design. This cozy area is created with softer lighting, providing a space for quiet thought and relaxation. It supports the main goal of the design by offering a private retreat where individuals can find solitude.

Material Choice
Clay is used for the fireplace, serving both a functional and aesthetic purpose. This material connects the cabin to its environment, enhancing its integration within the wooded setting. The choice of natural materials reflects a commitment to the overall design concept, supporting a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Large openings throughout the cabin allow natural light to enter, creating a play of shadows and brightness. The changing light throughout the day adds richness to the experience, helping to transform the interior into a space that feels alive and engaged with its surroundings.

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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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