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Elevated Veranda with Hay-Thatched Roof for Personal Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Hulya Imge Yilmaz, Hande Yildiz, Irem Tikiz
Elevated Veranda with Hay-Thatched Roof for Personal Meditation Retreat
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The integration of a hay-thatched roof and an elevated veranda creates a unique personal retreat designed for meditation, ensuring a harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hay-thatched roof enhances ecological integration and provides nesting opportunities for local wildlife.
02
Elevated veranda offers unobstructed views while separating utility functions from the main retreat area.
03
Meditation axis features a central fire pit, creating a focal point for reflection and tranquility.
04
Double-skin façade allows for adjustable privacy while maintaining visual connection with the surroundings.
05
Natural ventilation and solar tubes ensure optimal light and air quality throughout the cabin.

The project is situated in Latvia, a region characterized by its abundant greenery. It functions as a personal retreat, designed for meditation and quiet reflection. The overall concept focuses on blending with the surrounding nature, providing a peaceful space where users can disconnect and engage with their thoughts.

Meditation Axis

At the heart of the design is a meditation axis that organizes the layout of the cabin. This axis features a fire pit, serving as a central point for meditation. A well-placed top window highlights this focal point, while horizontal windows on three sides welcome natural light and create views of the outdoors. This arrangement fosters a strong connection between the interior and the natural world outside.

Structural Features

The cabin is built with a double-skin façade, which offers flexibility in terms of privacy. Wooden materials are chosen for their lightness and durability, consistent with the local environment. This choice helps the structure remain in harmony with its surroundings and reduces its impact on nature.

Functional Layout

Inside, the cabin includes clearly defined areas for sleeping, dining, and food preparation. These spaces are thoughtfully arranged to make the best use of the interior while supporting the peaceful purpose of the retreat. Each area is designed to be functional without being overwhelming, creating a comfortable and tranquil atmosphere.

Natural Light and Ventilation

Natural light and air flow are important aspects of the design. The space uses solar tubes to provide light during the night, ensuring the interior remains inviting. This attention to lighting contributes to a calm environment, making it suitable for quiet reflection and meditation.

The roof is crafted to support a natural thatching of hay, mimicking the shapes found in the surrounding landscape. This design not only contributes to the aesthetic but also provides opportunities for local birds to nest, further connecting the retreat with its ecological setting.

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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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