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Mirror Solar Panels and Triangular Form in a Sustainable Forest Cabin

Author:
Carlos San valentín vitón
Mirror Solar Panels and Triangular Form in a Sustainable Forest Cabin

Project in-detail

The triangular form of the cabin, clad in mirror solar panels that efficiently harvest energy and rainwater, creates a sustainable living space designed for meditation and self-reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin features mirror solar panels that blend into the landscape while generating energy.
02
Rainwater is collected through the exterior skin and filtered for drinking.
03
The design incorporates a triangular floor plan that enhances spatial versatility.
04
A dry toilet system supports ecological hygiene without traditional plumbing.
05
Constructed to leave minimal environmental impact during and after use.

The META Cabin is located in the quiet forest of Ozolini, Latvia. It serves as a simple living space designed for meditation and self-reflection. The overall concept centers on how the building relates to its natural surroundings, using a unique geometric shape to enhance its presence in the landscape.

Geometric Form and Spatial Arrangement
The cabin has a triangular design derived from a rotated cube shape. This interesting form helps to make good use of space inside. The arrangement of rooms is open and adaptable, allowing for a variety of activities. Large windows let in light, connecting the interior with the natural world outside.

Sustainable Systems and Resource Management
At its core, the cabin emphasizes sustainability through smart design choices. Its exterior is covered in solar panels that serve a dual purpose: they generate electricity and collect rainwater. This rainwater is funneled into an internal system that purifies it, making it safe to drink. Such systems reduce reliance on outside resources and minimize the environmental impact.

Health, Sanitation, and Environmental Respect
The design includes a dry toilet that contributes to efficient waste management. This feature reflects an awareness of environmental concerns and practical living needs. Additionally, the construction process ensures that there is little disruption to the natural surroundings, keeping the forest intact and undisturbed.

The light that dances across the mirrored surface of the solar panels adds a distinctive detail to the cabin. This visual effect makes the building feel alive, engaging both those who live within it and the nature that envelops 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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