Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Natural Wood Serenity with Thermal Insulation for Mindful Reflection

Author:
Ricardo Villaseñor torres
Natural Wood Serenity with Thermal Insulation for Mindful Reflection

Project in-detail

Constructed from durable hardwood and designed with thermal insulation, the cabin offers a harmonious environment for meditation and reflection amidst the natural landscape of Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with hardwood, enhancing durability and natural aesthetics.
02
Features thermal insulation to maintain comfortable internal temperatures year-round.
03
Designed to optimize natural light and views, promoting a connection with the landscape.
04
Incorporates a layout that supports both individual and communal meditation practices.
05
Located in Letoia, integrating seamlessly into coastal, lake, and wood surroundings.

The Tējas Filiāle Meditation Cabin is located in a Landscape Intervention Zone in Letoia, Latvia. It represents a connection to nature through its design, embodying the idea of a "Branch of Tea." This cabin serves as a place for meditation and reflection, blending the indoor experience with the calming presence of surrounding natural features like the beach, lake, and woods.

Conceptual Framework

The design focuses on creating a peaceful atmosphere. It features an open layout that allows for fluid movement between different areas. This organization encourages both individual meditation and group gatherings. By closely tying the spaces to the natural surroundings, the design enhances the overall experience for users, inviting them to engage with nature in a meaningful way.

Spatial Dynamics

The architectural plan includes various sections and elevations that optimize views of the landscape. These elements have been carefully arranged to ensure that the cabin responds to the site's topography. This thoughtful placement creates special spots for quiet moments while also offering expansive views that draw in the beauty of the outdoors. Such versatility is important in a space dedicated to meditation, allowing occupants to feel both connected and at ease.

Material Selection

Materials chosen for the cabin include hardwood, exterior hardwood, and layers of insulation, such as plastic insulation and thermal insulation. Each of these materials is selected for its durability and suitability for the environment. The hardwoods contribute warmth to the interior, while the insulation ensures energy efficiency, keeping the cabin comfortable throughout the year.

Design Detail

Large windows are a prominent feature of the cabin's design. They invite ample natural light and frame views of the landscape, strengthening the bond between inside and outside. This thoughtful detail creates an environment of openness and calmness essential for meditation and reflection. The cabin’s design shows that the architecture is not just about the structure but also about the experiences it fosters in nature.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy