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Gabion Wall Retreat Enhanced by Thermal Mass and Natural Rainwater Harvesting

Authors:
Stephan Karetnik, McKenna Steltzner, Latasha Shelton
Gabion Wall Retreat Enhanced by Thermal Mass and Natural Rainwater Harvesting

Project in-detail

A growing gabion wall of locally sourced stones and a moss-engineered roof for rainwater harvesting define a minimalist cabin designed for solitary meditation in the Latvian forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
A growing gabion wall allows users to participate in the cabin's evolution by adding local stones.
02
The thermal mass stone floor and walls regulate indoor temperatures effectively.
03
A moss-engineered roof serves as a natural rainwater collection and filtration system.
04
Frameless operable glass panels enhance the connection between interior and exterior spaces.
05
The cabin's design accommodates a single occupant for an immersive meditation experience.

The mediation cabin in Latvia serves as a peaceful retreat designed for self-reflection and a deeper connection with nature. Located within a forested area, the cabin functions as a solitary space where individuals can find tranquility and enhance their mindfulness. The design emphasizes simplicity and calmness, creating an environment that allows users to engage with the natural surroundings effectively.

Architectural Approach

The approach to the cabin's design focuses on passive strategies to maintain comfort. Its orientation plays a crucial role, as it minimizes summer heat gain through effective solar shading. The use of thermal mass stone in the floor and walls helps regulate the indoor temperature by storing heat during colder periods.

Material Selection

Pre-engineered aluminum sections are used for both the roof and floor. This choice ensures that the structure is durable and can be assembled quickly. The selection of materials highlights modern construction techniques that emphasize efficiency while maintaining a sense of harmony within the design.

Interactive Elements

An important aspect of the cabin is the gabion wall, made from stones sourced locally. This feature encourages users to participate in shaping the structure over time, creating a stronger bond between the occupants and the surrounding environment. The thermal qualities of the gabion wall further improve the cabin's energy efficiency, making it a thoughtful design choice.

Connection to Nature

Rainwater harvesting is incorporated into the design, with a moss-engineered roof system that naturally filters water. This system supports the basic needs of a single occupant while also promoting sustainable practices. Frameless operable glass panels serve to blend the interior with the outside environment, allowing for ventilation and enhancing the experience of being in nature.

The cabin is characterized by large glass panels that frame the views of the forest, inviting an abundance of natural light into the space. This design detail encourages users to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings while enjoying the simple, reflective time within the cabin itself.

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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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