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Pine Frame Cabin with Rainwater Collection for Mindful Retreat

Authors:
Yuting Zhang, Huopu Zhang
Pine Frame Cabin with Rainwater Collection for Mindful Retreat

Project in-detail

With a trapezium shape that amplifies natural sounds and a rainwater collection system for sustainability, the cabin offers a serene retreat for meditation and contemplation in the Latvian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin’s trapezium shape amplifies ambient sound for enhanced meditation.
02
Constructed using prefabricated modules for efficient assembly on-site.
03
Interior features large glazing for unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Incorporates a rainwater collection system for sustainable water use.
05
Compact layout integrates essential facilities into a 'thick wall' design.

The silent meditation cabin is located in the serene landscapes of Latvia. It serves as a retreat for those seeking a peaceful space for reflection and connection to nature. The design is influenced by traditional Latvian architecture and emphasizes mindfulness. The cabin features a distinct right trapezium shape that enhances the natural sounds of the environment, inviting calm into daily life.

Design Concept

The form of the cabin acts like an amplifier, enriching the quiet sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. This thoughtful design allows users to engage more deeply with their thoughts and surroundings. It not only serves as a sheltered space but also enhances the experience of meditation and introspection through a strong connection to nature.

Spatial Organization

Inside the cabin, spaces are clearly organized from public to private areas. When entering, visitors find themselves in the main meditation area, which has large windows that provide beautiful views of the landscape. The interior is designed for flexibility, allowing activities like meditation, reading, and tea-making, making it welcoming and functional.

Materiality

The construction of the cabin uses prefabricated modules, efficiently assembled on-site and supported by four concrete piers for stability. The exterior features a pine frame that remains exposed on the inside, connecting to the natural setting. The interior includes light-colored plywood, creating a warm atmosphere, while natural pine-wood panels add insulation to keep the space comfortable throughout the year.

Functional Elements

The layout of the cabin is compact yet effective, organizing necessary facilities like a bathroom, kitchen, study area, and wardrobe into a 'thick wall' along one edge. A wood-burning fireplace and a small stove for making tea enhance the usability of the space. Additional options, such as sliding doors and operable windows with mosquito screens, promote an ongoing relationship between the cabin and its natural surroundings.

One particularly noteworthy detail is the optional rainwater collection system. This feature gathers water from the roof and stores it beneath the sleeping area, supporting sustainability while fostering a sense of self-reliance in the midst of nature.

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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

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