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Elevated Serenity with Wood and Glass in a Natural Retreat

Author:
J austin Fleming
Elevated Serenity with Wood and Glass in a Natural Retreat

Project in-detail

Elevated above the ground, the cabin utilizes wood and glass to create a tranquil space for meditation, fostering a deep connection to nature while promoting sustainability through an integrated composting system.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabin features an integrated composting system for waste management.
02
Elevated structure enhances the feeling of buoyancy and detachment from the ground.
03
Large glass panels provide unobstructed views while maximizing natural light.
04
Design accommodates various meditation practices for individuals and groups.
05
Wood and glass materials foster warmth and a strong connection to nature.

The SEED Silent Meditation Cabin is located near Lake Bezdibene in Riga, Latvia. It serves as a space for meditation and personal reflection. The design aims to create an environment that promotes relaxation and a connection with nature. By focusing on the experience of meditation, the cabin invites users to escape the distractions of daily life.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout of the cabin allows for various meditation practices, accommodating individuals, couples, and groups. This flexibility is a defining feature, balancing private spaces with communal areas. Users can find solitude when needed but also enjoy the option to share their experience with others. The cabin’s ergonomic design ensures comfort, encouraging deeper engagement in meditation.

Environmental Sustainability

A key component of the design is sustainability. The cabin includes a composting system that processes human waste, turning it into nutrients for the earth. This aspect emphasizes a commitment to ecological responsibility and fits within the broader theme of mindfulness. By using natural resources thoughtfully, the cabin aligns with the principles of living in harmony with the environment.

Material Integration

Materials play an integral role in shaping the cabin’s character. Wood, glass, and metal are thoughtfully chosen to complement the design. Wooden elements bring warmth and create a cozy feeling, while large glass panels allow natural light to flood the interior. This connection to light enhances the calm atmosphere. Metal provides support and ensures the structure's durability, contributing to a clean, minimal aesthetic.

Sound and Sensory Experience

The design engages users through sound and sensory experience. The cabin encourages occupants to listen to the gentle sounds of nature, like rustling leaves and birdsong. This auditory engagement enhances the meditation experience by fostering a connection to the surrounding environment. The overall experience of using the cabin is enriched by these natural elements, creating a setting conducive to mindfulness.

The elevated platform allows users to feel as if they are floating within the landscape, reinforcing the importance of elevation in enhancing the meditative experience.

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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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