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Hexagonal Shell Retreat Crafted from Thermo-Wood in the Latvian Landscape

Authors:
Eda Bozkurt, Ali rıza Özkaya
Hexagonal Shell Retreat Crafted from Thermo-Wood in the Latvian Landscape

Project in-detail

The cabin's hexagonal shell structure, crafted from Thermo-wood, harmonizes with Latvia's forests and lakes, providing an immersive retreat for meditation and contemplation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin features a flexible hexagonal panel system for adaptable privacy and openness.
02
It utilizes sustainable Thermo-wood, chosen for its durability and low environmental impact.
03
The design promotes interaction with the surrounding landscape through its open shell structure.
04
Positioned to maximize natural light and views of the Latvian forest and lake.
05
The project emphasizes a meditative experience, integrating natural elements throughout.

The design focuses on the connection between meditation and nature through a cabin situated in the lakes and dense forests of Latvia. This space offers a retreat for users to immerse themselves in contemplation and exploration of the surrounding landscape. Drawing inspiration from the seed, the design symbolizes the core essence of life and the intimate relationship between humans and the natural world.

Conceptual Framework
The shape of the cabin resembles a seed, featuring a protective shell that encourages interactions with the outdoors. The design philosophy promotes a strong link between its occupants and the landscape, allowing for moments of reflection and connection. This structure adapts to the surroundings, engaging with varying construction conditions such as waterways, trees, and uneven terrain, enriching the user's experience.

Dynamic Paneling
A key aspect of the design is the wood paneling, which incorporates a hexagonal pattern. These panels can be closed for privacy or opened to enhance interaction with the environment. Users can customize how the panels are arranged based on their preferences, further strengthening their engagement with nature. This setup creates a fluid connection between the interior space and its natural surroundings, contributing to a peaceful atmosphere.

Sustainable Materiality
The materials used in constructing the cabin include sustainable and weather-resistant Thermo-wood. This choice ensures long-lasting durability while adhering to modern environmental standards. By selecting Thermo-wood, the design reflects a commitment to sustainability, reinforcing the connection to the natural landscape. The material not only supports the cabin's structure but also highlights the project’s alignment with ecological principles.

The composition of the cabin presents a thoughtful integration of human experience with the surrounding environment. The design invites interaction, allowing occupants to appreciate the beauty of the forest and lake. This focus on connection fosters a sense of mindfulness and encourages quiet contemplation, ensuring that the cabin is a place for reflection amid nature's quietude.

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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

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