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Reclaimed Brick Cabin Embracing the Forest for Mindful Retreats

Authors:
Alissa Pillon, Breanna Hielkema, Tomohiro Mizusawa
Reclaimed Brick Cabin Embracing the Forest for Mindful Retreats

Project in-detail

Constructed with reclaimed brick and dimensional lumber, the cabin provides an immersive retreat in the Latvian forest, designed to promote mindfulness and contemplation through its integration with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using reclaimed brick for thermal efficiency.
02
Features an open wood slat terrace that connects indoor and outdoor spaces.
03
Incorporates subtle architectural follies to encourage deep forest exploration.
04
Prioritizes local sourcing of materials to enhance sustainability.
05
Designed to promote mindfulness through carefully arranged living spaces.

The design emphasizes the relationship between mindfulness and the natural environment, situated in the quiet Latvian forest. Focused on meditation, the goal is to help individuals connect with their mind, body, self, and surroundings. The architecture uses concepts like defragging and refocusing to align the conscious and unconscious mind, resulting in a structure that complements its setting while serving as a peaceful retreat for reflection.

Spatial Arrangement

Inside, the layout includes essential activities such as resting, washing, and cooking, all organized into comfortable spaces that encourage a meditative state. Each area is designed to support everyday routines while enhancing a sense of calm. The open wood slat terrace acts as a transition between indoor and outdoor experiences, inviting natural light and fresh air. It enables individuals to engage with their surroundings, which increases awareness of their body and the environment.

Connection to Nature

When moving beyond the cabin, users discover carefully placed follies that lead them further into the forest. These features encourage exploration and strengthen one’s bond with the natural world. The architecture allows for a balanced experience, offering both relaxation and engagement with the outdoors. Here, individuals can reflect inward while also appreciating the beauty of nature.

Material Considerations

The project uses dimensional lumber for its structural frame and reclaimed brick for select surfaces, both sourced locally. This choice highlights a commitment to sustainability while ensuring that the structure is in harmony with its natural context. By using materials from the area, the design emphasizes ecological responsibility and connectiveness to the environment.

A significant aspect is the terrace, which creates a transition from inside to outside. This area enables occupants to enjoy scenery while remaining sheltered, blending meditation with an appreciation for nature. The careful arrangement of spaces invites users to engage deeply with both their surroundings and themselves, fostering overall tranquility.

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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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