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Tatami-Floored Retreat Surrounded by Nature for Mindful Meditation

Author:
David Huntly-grant
Tatami-Floored Retreat Surrounded by Nature for Mindful Meditation

Project in-detail

The retreat's tatami-floored interior merges with the surrounding landscape, creating designated meditation spaces that enhance mindfulness and communal tea ceremonies.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates tatami straw mat flooring for enhanced comfort and tranquility.
02
Large windows provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding forest, connecting occupants to nature.
03
Meditation spaces are specifically oriented to optimize natural light and promote focus.
04
A tea cupboard is integrated into the design, supporting communal tea ceremonies as part of the experience.
05
The cabin's layout encourages seamless movement between indoor and outdoor areas, fostering a sense of openness.

The Silent Meditation Forest Cabin in Latvia serves as a peaceful space for reflection and mindfulness. Located within a tranquil natural setting, it functions as a retreat for individuals seeking quiet contemplation or participating in group activities such as tea ceremonies. Inspired by the idea of the Water rose, the design encourages personal growth and spiritual awakening, promoting a deep connection to both self and environment.

Concept and Functionality

The design emphasizes meditation, with spaces arranged to support both solitary and communal practices. Each area is intentionally laid out to help users engage with the natural landscape. Large windows frame views of the outdoors, allowing natural light to flood the interiors. This arrangement invites occupants to turn their attention to both the beauty of nature and their inner thoughts.

Materiality

Materials chosen for the cabin create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Tatami straw mat flooring offers comfort underfoot and enhances the meditative quality of the space. The tea cupboard is another key feature, combining functionality and design. It serves both practical needs during ceremonies and adds an aesthetic touch to the overall environment.

Spatial Experience

The relationship between indoor spaces and the surrounding nature is a fundamental aspect of the design. The cabin uses large openings to bring the outside in, allowing the sights and sounds of the forest to become part of the experience. This connection fosters a calming atmosphere, making it easier for occupants to find peace and focus.

The interior features polished wood surfaces and clean lines, contributing to a sense of simplicity. This design approach allows occupants to feel more at ease as they engage in meditation or personal reflection. The cabin stands as a refuge where the mind can find clarity amid the calm of the Latvian landscape.

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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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