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Elevated Sanctuary Crafted with Local Timber and Cork Insulation for Mindful Retreats

Author:
Lukas Keller
Elevated Sanctuary Crafted with Local Timber and Cork Insulation for Mindful Retreats

Project in-detail

Crafted from local timber and elevated on pillars to enhance its connection with the forest, this cabin provides a serene and self-sufficient retreat designed for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated on pillars to promote natural airflow and views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Utilizes cork insulation for enhanced thermal and acoustic properties.
03
Features large, panoramic windows that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor environments.
04
Constructed with locally-sourced timber to reduce environmental impact.
05
Incorporates a minimalist interior design focused on functionality and tranquility.
The Forest Meditation Cabin is an architectural project located in Ozolini, Latvia, approximately 100 kilometers from Riga, designed to serve as a tranquil retreat for meditation and reflection. This design concept responds to the growing need for spaces that facilitate a reconnection with nature and provide an oasis of calm amid the complexities of modern life. By situating the cabin within a serene forest environment, the project emphasizes the importance of nature in promoting peace, mindfulness, and personal well-being.

Functionally, the cabin is intended as a solitary space where individuals can engage in meditation and self-reflection. The design incorporates key elements that promote both comfort and functionality, making it an ideal place for short-term retreats. The layout includes a living area, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a sleeping loft, all thoughtfully arranged to maximize usability while minimizing spatial clutter. Large windows and glass doors are integral features that allow natural light to flood the interior, creating an open atmosphere that seamlessly connects the indoors with the lush surroundings outside.

One of the defining aspects of the Forest Meditation Cabin is its unique approach to design and materiality. The structure predominantly utilizes locally-sourced materials, which not only supports sustainability but also enhances the building's harmony with the environment. Key materials include wooden planks for the structural framework, light plasterboard for the walls, versatile plywood for various interior elements, durable floorboards, and cork for acoustic and thermal insulation. This choice of materials reflects an architectural philosophy that values simplicity and environmental respect, ensuring that the cabin is both economically and ecologically responsible.

The architectural design further innovates with its structural components. The cabin is elevated using lifted pillars, which serve multiple purposes: protecting the building from potential moisture, promoting natural air circulation, and allowing for uninterrupted views of the landscape. This elevation also creates a sense of detachment from the ground, enhancing the experience of being at one with nature.

Inside, the arrangement of spaces reflects a careful balance between minimalism and functionality. The ground floor features a cozy living area designed for relaxation and mindfulness. Here, the layout is open yet intimate, allowing for versatile use whether one is meditating or enjoying a quiet moment with a book. The kitchen, though minimalistic, is equipped with the essential elements for meal preparation, promoting a self-sufficient experience for those seeking solitude.

The upper sleeping loft introduces another dimension to the cabin's experience. A raised bed provides a comfortable resting space while maintaining a sense of seclusion above the main living area. Accessed via a ladder, this design choice reinforces the concept of verticality, drawing the eye upward and offering a unique perspective of the surrounding natural beauty.

In sum, the Forest Meditation Cabin represents a thoughtful interplay between architecture and nature, embodying principles of sustainability, simplicity, and mindfulness. Its design thoughtfully integrates essential functions while promoting a sense of tranquility, making it an exemplary model of contemporary architecture aimed at fostering personal connection with the environment. Readers interested in exploring this project further are encouraged to delve into the architectural plans, sections, and other design details, which provide deeper insights into the innovative approaches that define this remarkable space.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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