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Curved Timber Retreat Fostering Privacy Amidst Nature

Authors:
Zhiyong Wang, Zihao Wang, Yuqing Chen
Curved Timber Retreat Fostering Privacy Amidst Nature

Project in-detail

The careful integration of curved timber forms and large canopy-facing windows creates a secluded retreat in the Latvian forest, prioritizing privacy and acoustic comfort for personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved timber form allows for effective sound reflection, enhancing the cabin’s silence.
02
Double-layer glass windows provide thermal insulation while maintaining a connection to nature.
03
Introverted layout fosters a sense of intimacy and encourages personal reflection.
04
Positioned to minimize visibility, offering complete privacy within a forested environment.
05
Local pine and cherry wood were selected for sustainability and harmony with the landscape.

The Cabin Cradle is set in the quiet forests of Latvia, designed as a place for solitude and reflection. The aim is to give visitors an opportunity to escape from the noise of everyday life and connect with nature. The architecture is inspired by the traditional form of Latvian cradles, promoting feelings of safety and calm. This design creates an environment that supports mental well-being and encourages users to engage with their surroundings.

Form and Structure

The curved form of the Cabin Cradle embodies safety while also helping to block outside noise. The angled façade has been purposely designed to reflect sound waves, allowing for a peaceful interior. This design choice creates a refuge from the disturbances of the outside world. Occupants can enjoy the quietness of the space, enhancing the restorative qualities of their experience in the forest.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the cabin features a layout that feels like a cozy tunnel. This intimate space invites contemplation and relaxation. Large windows frame views of the trees above, giving occupants a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature while ensuring privacy. The arrangement of the cabin reinforces a strong connection between the individual and the environment, making the overall experience more enriching.

Material Composition

Using local materials is an important aspect of Cabin Cradle. Pine and cherry wood were selected for their lightweight and durable qualities. These materials complement the natural surroundings and support sustainability. The cabin’s design includes double-layer glass in the windows, which helps keep the noise out and maintains a comfortable atmosphere inside throughout the year.

Privacy and Context

The location of the cabin has been carefully chosen to enhance the feeling of seclusion. It is placed to avoid sightlines, surrounded by natural barriers like tree trunks and changes in elevation. This thoughtful placement allows for a private experience in nature. A folding door blends with the exterior when closed, adding an extra layer of privacy and harmony with the environment. The result is a quiet retreat where users can truly disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of the woods.

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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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