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Porous Membrane Structure Embracing Nature for Calm Meditation

Authors:
Sawyer Daly, Daniel Rodriguez
Porous Membrane Structure Embracing Nature for Calm Meditation

Project in-detail

A porous membrane structure harmonizes with the natural landscape of Latvia’s Ozolini Forest, creating an adaptable space that fosters meditation and encourages a deep connection with the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Porous membrane design allows for dynamic interaction with the surrounding environment.
02
Interior surfaces adjust to individual meditative practices, enhancing user experience.
03
Niches in the membrane structure support local flora and fauna, promoting biodiversity.
04
Materials develop a natural patina over time, emphasizing environmental connection.
05
Located specifically in Latvia's Ozolini Forest, enhancing its tranquil setting.

The Ozolini Teahouse Meditation Hut is located in the tranquil Ozolini Forest of Latvia. It serves as a space for meditation, designed to integrate with the surrounding natural landscape. The main goal is to create an environment that fosters mental clarity and calmness, enabling users to engage in a meditative practice known as "the unconditioned." The structure aims to minimize distractions and enhance introspection by thoughtfully shaping its interior and exterior.

Design Concept

The design focuses on a minimal dwelling characterized by an emptied, porous membrane. This innovative approach rethinks how users interact with their environment. Rather than merely considering ecological impacts, it creates opportunities for users to form new relationships with nature. The design is not only about shelter but also about generating a deeper connection to the natural world.

Interior Configuration

Inside the hut, the layout features highly articulated surfaces and flexible frameworks. Users can adjust their experiences based on their meditative needs. This adaptability allows individuals to control their exposure to outside elements, aligning the space with their personal practices. The interior promotes comfort and peace, creating an inviting atmosphere for reflection and self-discovery.

Exterior Relationships

The exterior combines wooden and metallic surfaces that respond to the local environment. These materials develop a natural patina over time, reflecting their relationship with nature. Additionally, the membrane's design includes recesses of varying thickness, creating niches that support local flora and fauna. This interaction enhances biodiversity and emphasizes the ecological aspects of the project.

Light enters the space through the porous membrane, creating patterns that shift throughout the day. This interplay between light and structure highlights the connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the hut's role as a space for contemplation amid 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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