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Conic Wooden Structures with Circular Layouts for Quiet Reflection

Authors:
Jianfeng Wang, Pietro Canova, Martina Dal pont, Junhui Gong
Conic Wooden Structures with Circular Layouts for Quiet Reflection

Project in-detail

Constructed with conic wooden forms and a circular layout, the design offers a harmonious space for meditation and contemplation within the serene Latvian forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Conic forms mimic the nearby Nordic pines for natural integration.
02
A circular layout maximizes space while promoting movement and interaction.
03
Local wood is used to reduce environmental impact and support regional resources.
04
Small windows frame views of the forest, enhancing the meditative experience.
05
A rainwater collection system facilitates sustainable water use on-site.

Set in the countryside of Latvia, the project at Ozolini farm focuses on creating a peaceful setting for meditation and relaxation. The aim is to help guests disconnect from everyday life and engage in silent reflection. The design draws from the natural surroundings, emphasizing a connection between the buildings and the lush forest.

Design Concept

The main idea behind the design is to create spaces that support quiet contemplation. The buildings take on conic shapes, inspired by the tall pine trees found in the area. This choice allows the structures to blend into the forest environment while providing an inviting space for guests. The layout is organized in a circular fashion, optimizing space for comfort and simplicity, which is ideal for short stays.

Spatial Organization

A living pod serves as the primary accommodation, featuring an open floor plan. Inside, guests find essential amenities such as a small kitchen and relaxation area. Space-saving elements, like a suspended bed, help maximize room efficiency. A separate restroom is integrated thoughtfully within the pod. This layout promotes an airy feeling and ease of movement, making the space practical for visitors.

Meditation Space

The meditation building is crafted to enhance tranquility. It features a minimal interior design with small windows that frame natural views, allowing sunlight to come in while keeping the focus on the outside landscape. This design element encourages a connection with nature, which is vital for a meditative experience.

Materiality and Sustainability

Local wood is chosen for the construction, supporting regional materials and reducing costs. The exterior of the buildings is covered with wooden slats, which helps them blend into the surrounding environment. Solar panels provide energy, while an underground rainwater collection system promotes sustainability and reduces the project's environmental impact.

Large openings throughout the buildings allow for ample natural light, creating spaces filled with warmth and openness. This thoughtful design ultimately fosters a calm atmosphere, inviting users to appreciate both the architecture and the surrounding nature.

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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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