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Cocoon-Like Retreat in Wood for Quiet Reflection

Authors:
Xena Kalouti, Khalid Jadallah
Cocoon-Like Retreat in Wood for Quiet Reflection

Project in-detail

A cocoon-like structure crafted from wood offers an elevated sanctuary amidst the Latvian forest, designed specifically for meditation and self-reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cocoon-like enclosure enhances privacy while allowing natural light penetration.
02
Elevated structure maintains ecological integrity of the forest floor.
03
Design incorporates Sufi philosophy to foster inner reflection.
04
A mix of organic contours and angular elements promotes spatial exploration.
05
Wooden composition provides warmth and tactile connection to nature.

Silent Meditation Forest Cabin is a thoughtfully designed retreat located in the quiet landscapes of Latvia. It serves as a space for meditation and self-reflection, allowing occupants to step away from the distractions of everyday life. The design concept is rooted in philosophical ideas drawn from Sufism, focusing on the connection between inner experiences and the surrounding environment.

Spatial Configuration

The layout of the cabin is carefully considered, integrating it into the forest while using an elevated terrace for access. This raised area provides a platform that lifts visitors above the forest floor, offering views of the surrounding trees and natural beauty. The design respects the land and enhances the experience of being in a tranquil setting, encouraging a sense of peace and connection with nature.

Structural Elements

The primary material used in the cabin's construction is wood, chosen for its warmth and natural appeal. The raised wooden floor grounds the structure in its surroundings, while the edges of the terrace feature a carefully arranged configuration of wooden pieces. This design creates a cocoon-like enclosure that offers a sense of protection as well as a visual connection to the outside, allowing occupants to feel sheltered while still engaging with the natural environment.

Architectural Form

The form of the cabin includes a circular cocoon that is paired with angular elements, achieving a balance between privacy and openness. This interplay creates a space that invites occupants to explore and engage with their surroundings. The height of the cabin is thoughtfully designed to draw the eye upward toward the trees overhead, connecting the space to both earth and sky in a meaningful way.

Large windows frame views of the forest, allowing natural light to flood the interior and highlight the textures of the wood. As light shifts throughout the day, it creates a changing atmosphere that enhances the meditative quality of the space. The design encourages a deep connection to the forest, offering a setting where quiet reflection can occur, grounded in the simple beauty of the 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

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