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Flax-Insulated Retreat Elevated on Stilts for Meditation and Reflection

Author:
Benedikt Hartl
Flax-Insulated Retreat Elevated on Stilts for Meditation and Reflection

Project in-detail

Elevated on stilts, this flax-insulated cabin offers a unique meditation space that fosters a deep connection with nature while ensuring environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design on stilts to minimize environmental impact.
02
Constructed primarily from locally sourced linen for insulation.
03
Meditation room features a roundel for forest views.
04
Utilizes bicycle-powered electricity generation for sustainability.
05
Includes an eco-toilet for efficient waste management.

The forest meditation cabin is a thoughtfully designed retreat located in Latvia, a country renowned for its ecological practices and rich cultural traditions. Designed for reflection and mindfulness, the cabin seeks to blend with its surroundings while showcasing local materials and craftsmanship. The main idea behind the design is to create a small, functional space that enhances the connection between its users and nature.

Spatial Configuration
The cabin has an open interior layout that allows natural light to flood in, creating a calm atmosphere ideal for meditation. Covering 15 square meters, the design makes efficient use of its limited space, incorporating a loft area that utilizes vertical height while maintaining privacy. This arrangement encourages easy movement throughout the cabin, making it a versatile area for various activities while preserving a cozy feel.

Material Selection
Linen/flax is the primary material used in the construction of the cabin, emphasizing local resources and heritage. This material is chosen not only for its sustainability but also for its excellent insulation properties. The cabin remains comfortable throughout the year, and the tactile quality of linen promotes relaxation and a peaceful environment. This focus on material helps achieve the project’s goal of creating a tranquil place for visitors.

Sustainable Features
The cabin incorporates sustainable practices into its design and function. A wood stove provides warmth during colder months, ensuring comfort. Additionally, a bicycle-based energy generation system offers an alternative electricity source, promoting independence and environmental awareness. Areas for food and water storage further enhance the cabin's practicality, allowing visitors to enjoy longer retreats without relying on outside resources.

Design Details
A notable aspect of the cabin is its elevation on stilts, which protects the surrounding landscape and maintains the natural flow of water. Furthermore, a roundel feature provides views of the forest, linking the interior space with the outdoors. These design choices help create a place that not only serves the need for a meditation retreat but also upholds principles of mindful and responsible architecture.

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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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