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Stone-Walled Cabins Embracing Forest Views for Introspection and Reflection

Authors:
Saima Shaikh, Jheel Tanna, Deepam Prajapati
Stone-Walled Cabins Embracing Forest Views for Introspection and Reflection

Project in-detail

Featuring a stone wall entrance and strategically placed horizontal planes, the cabins provide panoramic forest views that enhance opportunities for meditation and introspection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Stone wall entrance acts as a symbolic threshold into tranquility.
02
Horizontal planes provide intentional pauses for meditation and reflection.
03
Large openings frame constant views of the surrounding forest.
04
Cabin layout encourages a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
Design emphasizes natural light flow to enhance user experience throughout the day.

The design is situated in the forests of Riga, Latvia, serving as a retreat for individuals seeking peace and reflection. The setting is chosen for its natural beauty, encouraging visitors to step away from the fast-paced life of the city. The concept focuses on creating an environment that fosters self-exploration and meditation while being integrated into the surroundings.

Design Concept

The cabins are arranged to provide a sanctuary for personal contemplation. Their layout invites a gentle transition from the outside world into intimate indoor spaces. Horizontal planes act as pauses, guiding visitors into the cabins and framing views of the forest. The thoughtful placement of these elements helps create a sense of harmony with nature.

Materiality

An essential feature of the design is the stone wall that marks the entrance. This element not only supports the structure but also represents the shift from daily life to a place of calm. The stone connects the cabins to the earth, grounding the structures in their context. It enhances the experience of being in nature, allowing users to feel the surrounding landscape.

Light and Movement

Movement within the cabins encourages users to ascend, with horizontal planes designed to create functional areas for contemplation. Natural light plays a vital role, illuminating the spaces during different times of day. Large openings allow for views into the forest, fostering interaction between the cabins and the environment. This design approach emphasizes a continuous appreciation of nature.

Interior Experience

Inside, the cabins offer various vantage points that heighten the experience of reflection. The changing patterns of light add dynamism to the interior, aligning with the natural rhythms of the forest. Each space is crafted to give users a chance to connect deeply with their thoughts and the surrounding landscape, inviting a sense of tranquility and self-discovery.

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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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