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Rainwater Harvesting Cabin of Recycled Spruce Surrounded by Nature

Authors:
Misak Terzibasiyan, Vassiliki Rapsomaniki
Rainwater Harvesting Cabin of Recycled Spruce Surrounded by Nature

Project in-detail

Constructed from recycled spruce wood and designed with inclined roofs, this cabin incorporates rainwater harvesting and strategic access points to create a sustainable meditation space immersed in the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from locally sourced recycled spruce wood.
02
Features three distinct inclined roofs inspired by traditional Latvian architecture.
03
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable resource management.
04
Accessed via a rope bridge and a floating platform for enhanced user experience.
05
Designed to accommodate a single occupant, promoting solitude and reflection.

Located in the calm landscape of Latvia, the Ozolini retreat features a Meditation Cabin designed to encourage a stronger connection to nature. Visitors find a quiet space here that promotes relaxation and self-reflection. The design emphasizes the integration of Earth, Air, and Water, creating an environment where individuals can explore their thoughts and feelings.

Design Concept

The approach combines the built environment with the natural setting. The cabin has three inclined roofs that draw inspiration from traditional Latvian architecture, resembling local huts while also reflecting elements of Art Nouveau. This design symbolizes a connection between earth and sky, emphasizing the principles of meditation. The varied levels within the cabin enhance the uplifted feeling experienced when surrounded by nature.

Materials and Structure

Recycled spruce wood from the local area forms the primary structure, creating a relationship between the cabins and their environment. Dark wood is used for the base and flooring, contrasting with lighter materials for the roofs. This design choice mirrors nature's contrasts. Mirrored glass is employed to help the structure blend into its surroundings, letting natural light enter and enriching the internal spaces.

Sustainability Features

Attention to sustainability is a key aspect of the design. A rainwater harvesting system collects water from the roof, storing it for use during winter. Each cabin includes mosquito netting to protect guests without relying on chemicals. The cabins are well-insulated, and triple-glazed windows help maintain energy efficiency, ready for seasonal changes and minimizing ecological impact.

User Experience

The cabins accommodate one person, providing essential spaces such as a meditation room, a small double bed, food storage, and a bio-toilet. The layout supports personal engagement with nature, while a folding table allows for creative expression. Guests access the tree cabin via a rope bridge, while the lake cabin can be reached through a floating platform. This thoughtful placement encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the landscape and enjoy the natural surroundings.

The overall design leads to a sense of calm, with structures that visually connect to the environment. Each element works together to create a tranquil retreat for those seeking peace in 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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