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Thatch-Covered Retreats With Spiraled Shells And Ecological Design

Author:
Mike Mammone
Thatch-Covered Retreats With Spiraled Shells And Ecological Design

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced thatch and Nordic Spruce, these spiraled cabins blend ecological design and functional living, offering a dedicated space for meditation in a serene forest setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a spiraled shell form for enhanced connectivity to nature.
02
Utilizes locally sourced thatch for natural insulation and aesthetic integration.
03
Features retractable insect screens aligned with structural beams for comfort.
04
Incorporates a dry toilet system using a wood-chip composting approach.
05
Elevated on piles to protect the forest floor and preserve the ecosystem.

The Silent Meditation Forest Cabins are designed as peaceful spaces for meditation amid a wooded landscape in Ozolini. The project centers on creating an environment that helps individuals reflect and connect with their surroundings. The structure takes the form of a spiraled shell, which is both visually inviting and functionally meaningful. By promoting introspection, it encourages visitors to engage deeply with nature.

Design Concept

At the heart of each cabin is a circular shape with a central focal point. This design invites occupants to look inward while also appreciating the beauty of the outside world. The spiraled form allows for different levels of privacy and openness. The innermost area serves as a cozy cocoon for rest and personal growth. The central space is for daily living, while the open end connects users directly with the forest, providing a compelling experience of nature.

Spatial Features

Several practical elements enhance the comfort and usability of the cabins. The transition from floor to wall is smoothly curved, adding to the natural feel of the space. A retractable insect screen provides comfort while maintaining a clear view. A rotating table can be hidden away when not in use, helping to make the most of limited space. In the sleeping area, a curtain offers privacy and light control. An outdoor access dry toilet uses a smart wood-chip system and off-site composting, ensuring cleanliness without unpleasant odors.

Materiality and Context

The materials used emphasize a connection to local traditions and sustainability. Nordic Spruce is used in the interiors, creating a warm atmosphere with its light color. This contrasts with the darker thatch on the outside, which wraps from the roof to the walls. The thatch adds insulation and blends well into the natural environment. A prefabricated engineered wood structure provides strength while keeping the cabins lightweight. The metal roof membrane offers protection from the elements, ensuring durability.

Design Detail

The Silent Meditation Forest Cabins balance practical features with a respect for the environment. Each cabin is raised on piles, which helps protect the forest floor and allows for a better view of the surroundings. This careful consideration enhances the experience of solace, inviting users to find peace and clarity in a natural setting.

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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
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