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Meditation Cabin with Local Timber and Natural Thatch in a Serene Forest Setting

Authors:
Madsen Canitz, Nick Glover, Alexander Crosby
Meditation Cabin with Local Timber and Natural Thatch in a Serene Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Constructed using local timber and thatch, the cabin harmonizes with its forest surroundings while providing a dedicated space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from local timber, enhancing sustainability.
02
Includes a meditation platform that emphasizes natural light and views.
03
Features a communal fire pit, fostering community interaction.
04
Incorporates informational signs along trails to educate visitors.
05
Employs traditional craftsmanship elements from vernacular Latvian architecture.

The Ozolini Tea Farm is situated in a picturesque wooded area that encourages exploration and self-reflection. It serves as a tea workshop and a meditation space, focusing on the relationship between the built environment and nature. The design aims to deepen visitors’ connection to the land, offering a setting for both communal engagement and solitary contemplation.

The Land

The rugged terrain of Ozolini Tea Farm plays a central role in the overall experience. This landscape is not just a backdrop; it is integral to the retreat’s purpose. Visitors can find tranquility and opportunities for meditation within its natural beauty. The design intends to create an environment where individuals can discover both the land and themselves, fostering a strong sense of place.

The Web

Interconnected trails meander through the farm, guiding visitors on their journey. These paths allow for personal exploration while also encouraging group interaction. Starting from a communal fire pit, the design promotes conversation and sharing of experiences before visitors branch off on their own excursions. Along the way, information signs educate guests on the history and methods of tea cultivation, enriching their time spent in this setting.

The Cabin

The cabin serves as the focal point of the retreat, designed to facilitate meditation and reflection. With a processional layout, visitors ascend through different levels as they explore the interior. At the top, a meditation platform offers an inviting space to connect with nature. The carefully placed aperture frames views of the landscape, encouraging quiet contemplation.

Local materials, including timber, thatch, and pine, form the cabin's structure, allowing it to blend into its surroundings. These choices highlight the connection between the facility and its environment, embracing traditional Latvian architectural elements.

The operable aperture enhances the design by allowing adaptability to changing weather conditions. Visitors can enjoy fresh air and changing views, creating an immersive relationship with the outdoors. The cabin becomes a retreat for reflection while remaining tied to the landscape that surrounds it.

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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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