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Parabolic Retreat Built from Straw Bales and Reed Thatch

Authors:
Rita Martins, Inês Matos
Parabolic Retreat Built from Straw Bales and Reed Thatch

Project in-detail

Constructed with compacted straw bales and topped with locally sourced reed thatch, the cabins are designed as a serene retreat for meditation within Latvia's vibrant natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using local materials to reduce environmental impact.
02
Features a parabolic structure that enhances natural light and ventilation.
03
Strategically positioned large windows frame views of the surrounding forest.
04
Utilizes compacted straw bales for insulation and energy efficiency.
05
Design aligns with traditional Latvian barn aesthetics while incorporating modern elements.

The Ozolini Meditation Cabins are located in Vidzeme, Latvia, a region known for its dense forests and peaceful lakes. The design focuses on creating spaces that encourage reflection and calmness, providing an environment where guests can reconnect with the natural world. By integrating elements of traditional Latvian architecture into a modern setting, the cabins enhance the experience of those who visit.

Design Concept

The cabins draw inspiration from local agricultural buildings, particularly Latvian barns. The design features a parabolic shape that departs from conventional structures, allowing for a more open and inviting atmosphere. This unique geometry serves a function, enhancing natural light and air circulation while establishing a connection with the surrounding landscape.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the cabins are arranged with clear areas for meditation and daily living. This thoughtful layout allows guests to move effortlessly from quiet contemplation to practical tasks. The interiors benefit from large windows that frame views of the outdoors, reinforcing the bond between the inhabitants and their environment. Ample light floods the space, promoting a sense of well-being during their stay.

Material Choices

Material selection plays a crucial role in this project, focusing on sustainability and local resources. The use of compacted straw bales for exterior walls offers effective insulation while adhering to eco-friendly construction standards. The roofs, made of local reed thatch, draw from regional traditions, providing durability and thermal efficiency. In addition, the entrance facade uses burned wood, adding texture and resilience to the design.

Design Details

Attention to detail is clearly visible in the features throughout the cabins. Panoramic windows capture the surrounding beauty, allowing nature to become part of the experience inside. The careful placement of these openings not only invites light but also encourages airflow, maintaining a fresh and pleasant atmosphere. This design approach aligns with the goal of creating a peaceful retreat, where visitors can focus on their personal journey.

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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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