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Timber Pavilion with Arch Structures Emphasizing Light and Nature

Author:
Fan Chiao-yun
Timber Pavilion with Arch Structures Emphasizing Light and Nature

Project in-detail

With its distinctive arch structures that manipulate light and a timber envelope reflecting traditional craftsmanship, the cabin creates a serene environment for meditation in the Latvian forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Arch structures optimize light throughout the interior.
02
The cabin’s design emphasizes a seamless connection with the surrounding forest.
03
Traditional Latvian carpentry techniques are integrated into the construction.
04
A timber envelope allows the building to develop a natural patina over time.
05
Meditative areas are specifically oriented to encourage reflection and tranquility.

The pavilion cabin creates a unique connection between the forest and the spirit, set in the tranquil Latvian landscape. It is designed to find a balance between human interaction with the environment and the need for conservation. The aim is to enhance the experiences of residents, tourists, and meditators while minimizing environmental impact. The pavilion serves as a place for mindfulness and reflection.

Design Concept

At the core of the design is the challenge of building within a natural setting. The goal is to engage meaningfully with the surrounding forest. The pavilion allows users to connect with the landscape, providing a space that encourages focus and spiritual practices. This solution responds to concerns about the overuse of natural sites, emphasizing sustainable practices that honor the local ecosystem.

Architectural Features

The design incorporates a series of arches that manipulate light and shape the interior experience. These arches, with varying heights and spans, change the quality of light that enters the cabin. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. By using different arch volumes, the architecture provides open spaces that invite meditation while preserving visual links to the outdoors.

Materiality and Cultural Context

The pavilion highlights traditional Latvian carpentry with a timber envelope that shows commitment to simplicity and sustainability. It uses modern wood products to minimize waste and allows the structure to develop a natural patina over time. This choice of materials connects the design to cultural heritage while promoting durability and ecological responsibility.

Spatial Experience

The layout effectively separates the inner area, meant for reflection, from the outside world. This separation is crucial for fostering a contemplative environment. Thoughtful placement of openings and the use of arching forms create a smooth transition between enclosed and open spaces. This design significantly enhances the experience of meditation, offering a calm backdrop that encourages users to connect deeply with their natural surroundings.

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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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