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Meditative Spaces Constructed with Charred Wood and Local Timber for Sustainable Community Retreat

Authors:
Mia Giommi, Laura Amadi
Meditative Spaces Constructed with Charred Wood and Local Timber for Sustainable Community Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and sustainably sourced timber, the design creates reflective, meditative spaces that foster community engagement in a serene environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design, optimizing both aesthetic appeal and spatial functionality.
04
Landscaped with native vegetation to promote local biodiversity and reduce maintenance needs.
05
Utilizes a greywater system to recycle water for irrigation, minimizing environmental impact.

## Analytical Report on the Architectural Design Project: Anicca

### Overview

Located in Latvia, Anicca is a design initiative that integrates cultural philosophy with sustainable architecture. Drawing inspiration from the Latvian belief in impermanence, the project aims to connect users with their environment while promoting eco-friendly living. The design emphasizes mindfulness and a holistic lifestyle, reflecting the natural landscapes and traditions of the region.

### Spatial Configuration and Cultural Resonance

The architectural layout consists of a series of interconnected structures designed to create a communal experience. Central to the configuration is a main hub resembling a traditional Latvian barn, which houses meditation, dining, and kitchen facilities. Surrounding this core are individual cabins, which cater to both private retreats and communal gatherings. This arrangement echoes local agricultural practices and seeks to foster interactions that enhance personal and communal well-being.

### Sustainable Practices and Materiality

Anicca employs a range of sustainable materials and systems to minimize its environmental impact. Extensive use of sustainably sourced wood aligns with local building traditions, while stone provides structural integrity for key design components. Glass features prominently in the main building, enhancing transparency and the connection with the surrounding landscape. The landscaping incorporates native grass and vegetation to promote biodiversity.

The project utilizes advanced eco-technologies, such as grey water systems for efficient water management and composting toilets to support sustainable sanitation practices. Solar panels installed on rooftops underscore the commitment to harnessing renewable energy. The design also allows for flexible spaces that adapt to varying communal and individual activities, reinforcing the focus on both personal development and community interaction.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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