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Ecological Retreat Featuring Straw-Bale Construction and Octagonal Form

Authors:
Irene Romano, Liselotte Corigliano
Ecological Retreat Featuring Straw-Bale Construction and Octagonal Form
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Constructed with straw-bale walls and an octagonal layout, the cabins integrate seamlessly into their forested surroundings, offering a serene space for reflection and wellness on the Ozolini farm.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with sustainable straw-bale materials, enhancing thermal performance.
02
The cabins feature an octagonal design, promoting spatial fluidity and user interaction.
03
A stone pathway guides visitors through the natural landscape, fostering connection.
04
Strategic window placements maximize views of the surrounding forest and lake.
05
Integrates local vegetation into the design, creating a living architecture experience.

The SilenTea project consists of a series of cabins located on the Ozolini farm by Lake Beudbiene in Latvia. This architectural endeavor aims to create a retreat that allows users to experience a deep sense of tranquility through an immersive connection with nature. The design is rooted in the concept of silence as a sensory experience, promoting mindfulness and reflection.

The cabins are arranged to emphasize interaction with the site while providing a variety of functional spaces. The central theme revolves around enhancing user experiences through both physical and emotional connections with the surrounding environment. Each cabin is meticulously planned to accommodate activities related to relaxation and introspection, with strategically placed windows framing views of the lake and forest.

Unique Design Approaches

What sets the SilenTea project apart is its integration of architectural design with the natural landscape. The use of straw-bale construction as the primary structural material not only enhances thermal insulation but also ensures sustainability. This choice reflects a commitment to environmentally responsible practices, aligning with the project's goal of promoting a peaceful coexistence with nature.

The project incorporates varied heights and forms in the cabins, fostering a dynamic spatial experience while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. The octagonal layout of the main cabin facilitates a balance that enhances both social and solitary activities, catering to the diverse needs of visitors. The pathway of stones leading to the cabins serves as both a physical and a conceptual transition, allowing visitors to prepare for the unique experience awaiting them.

Architectural Elements

Architectural elements within the SilenTea project include the meditation terrace, positioned to maximize views of the forest and provide an elevated space for reflection. The main cabin's interior is designed with a focus on simplicity, using timber frames that articulate the structure's essence while enabling flexibility in the layout. The plaster finish adds a tactile quality, further connecting the interior spaces with the natural context.

Additional elements such as natural vegetation are purposefully incorporated into the design. This approach not only enhances aesthetics but also emphasizes the idea of living architecture, where the built environment responds to and evolves with its surroundings.

For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that underpin the SilenTea project, explore the complete presentation. This exploration will provide a comprehensive understanding of how each aspect contributes to the overall design philosophy and functionality of the project.

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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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