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Thatched Retreat Amidst Forest Solitude

Authors:
Carlos Gómez sos, Christina Voronina, Aleksei Karlinsky
Thatched Retreat Amidst Forest Solitude

Project in-detail

A thatched roof cabin, designed with a conical form and set within the Latvian forest, provides a serene retreat for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Thatched roof enhances insulation and blends with the forest.
02
Conical shape symbolizes cyclical existence and connection to nature.
03
Interior layout clearly defines areas for meditation and rest.
04
Flexible design adapts to varying topographies of the site.
05
Folding doors facilitate seamless indoor-outdoor interaction.

Set in the quiet expanse of the Latvian forest, the meditation cabin serves as a space for reflection and calm. The design concept focuses on connecting the built environment with nature, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages mindfulness. This cabin aims to provide a retreat from the fast-paced modern world by offering a simple, yet thoughtful place for personal solace.

Historical Context

The design reflects ideas from historical architecture, especially the notion of protection as proposed by Vitruvius. Instead of complex forms, it takes inspiration from nature, manifesting a structure that resembles trees. This choice fosters a sense of belonging within the forest, allowing the cabin to function as both a shelter and a part of its natural surroundings.

Materiality

A significant feature is the thatched roof, which serves both practical and cultural purposes. This traditional material provides insulation, which is essential for comfort in different weather conditions. The roof's soft shape blends with the forest, making the cabin feel less like an intrusion and more like a natural extension of the landscape. This connection to local building practices emphasizes the idea that architecture can coexist with nature.

Spatial Organization

The cabin’s layout is designed to provide clear areas for meditation, rest, and essential functions. Each space is thoughtfully defined to support specific activities while promoting relaxation. This separation helps create a peaceful atmosphere conducive to deep reflection. Practicality does not compete with the sense of solitude; rather, it enhances the overall experience for those inside.

Adaptability and Interaction

The design also considers the diverse topography of the Latvian forest, allowing the cabin to adapt whether it is surrounded by dense trees, situated in an open area, or located near a lake. This flexibility ensures that the cabin maintains its connection with nature and that users can interact with their environment in different ways.

The entrance features a series of folding doors that can fully open, inviting the outdoor environment into the living space. This design choice encourages a continuous transition between inside and outside, enhancing the overall sensory experience of being 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
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