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Meditative Retreat Elevated by Vertical Fins and Rainwater Efficiency

Authors:
Daniel Nguyen, Marcos Carrillo, Spencer Mischka, Jordan Roberts
Meditative Retreat Elevated by Vertical Fins and Rainwater Efficiency

Project in-detail

Elevated by a unique vertical fin system that filters light while facilitating rainwater collection, the cabin serves as a secluded meditation space designed for introspection and connection with the surrounding forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rainwater is collected and filtered for practical use within the cabin.
02
The vertical fin screen system modulates light while maintaining privacy.
03
Each level offers a distinct purpose, enhancing the meditative experience.
04
The design integrates phytoremediation for improved indoor air quality.
05
A sky frame allows natural light to illuminate the second-level sleeping area.

The Perched Meditation cabin is located in the Ozolini forest of northern Latvia. It functions as a retreat, designed to promote mindfulness and a connection to nature. The aim is to provide a tranquil space that allows for deeper introspection and reflection, away from the distractions of modern life. The overall design concept emphasizes layers and spatial arrangement, creating a distinct experience at each level.

Structural Organization

The cabin consists of three stacked levels, each with a specific purpose that enhances the experience for its occupants. The base level is practical, combining spaces for food preparation, storage, and a dry toilet. This level serves as a transition point, helping users shift their focus from the outside world to a more inward state. The utility space is functional yet intentionally crafted to support the need for a personal sanctuary.

Meditative Spaces

As one ascends to the second level, the focus shifts to self-reflection and personal documentation. The area above the bed features a sky frame that allows natural light to filter in, fostering a quiet environment for contemplation. This layout encourages users to engage with their thoughts and feelings, facilitating their journey through meditation.

Connection with Nature

The top level serves as a meditative perch and provides a direct view of the surrounding landscape. It enhances the connection with nature, allowing for an immersive experience. An operable opening gives users the option to control their interaction with the outside environment, creating a varied sensory experience that complements the act of meditating.

Sustainable Systems

A significant aspect of the cabin is the rainwater collection system. The roof is designed to capture rainwater, which is stored in a two-tank in-wall cistern. The primary tank filters air within the cabin, contributing to improved indoor air quality. The secondary tank is for practical uses, such as washing, which reflects a careful approach to sustainability and resource management.

The vertical fin screen system plays a crucial role in shaping the cabin's atmosphere. It filters light and introduces a distinct quality to each space, balancing privacy with a sense of openness as users move through the various levels.

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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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