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Wooden Bark Cladding with Thermafleece Insulation for a Tranquil Meditation Space

Authors:
Maria Duda, Deborah Pedraza
Wooden Bark Cladding with Thermafleece Insulation for a Tranquil Meditation Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with wooden bark cladding and equipped with Thermafleece insulation, this cabin offers a serene environment for meditation while harmonizing with the natural landscape of Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with natural wooden bark cladding for seamless integration with the environment.
02
Incorporates Thermafleece insulation for enhanced thermal comfort across seasons.
03
Features operable louvres for effective ventilation and temperature control.
04
Orientation maximizes natural light while framing scenic views of the forest.
05
Designed with distinct zones to cater to various meditation experiences.

Flow is a meditation cabin designed to provide a quiet retreat for individuals seeking reflection and tranquility in nature. Located in Latvia, the cabin serves as a space to enhance mindfulness and foster a connection with the environment. The design concept emphasizes the relationship between the interior and the natural landscape, offering a place that supports calmness and contemplation.

Spatial Experience

The cabin's layout is thoughtfully arranged to enhance the experience for its users. It features specific areas for meditation, social interaction, and personal reflection. Each section is oriented to maximize natural light and views of the surroundings, creating a serene atmosphere while preserving privacy. This design allows for a smooth transition between inside and outside, encouraging interaction with the natural setting.

Materials and Construction

A careful selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and harmony with the environment. The exterior is finished with wooden bark, giving it a natural appearance that blends with the surrounding landscape. Timber framing lends structural stability while connecting to traditional building practices. The use of Thermafleece panels for insulation ensures comfort in response to Latvia's changing seasonal temperatures, aligning the cabin with its purpose as a place of rest.

Sensory Design Elements

Flow incorporates various sensory experiences aimed at promoting mindfulness. The auditory environment is crafted with care; sounds from nature mingle with the gentle noises within the cabin, such as rain on the windows or the warmth from a fire. Visual elements are crucial as well, with large windows framing views that change with the seasons, bringing the outside world into the living space.

Additional thoughtful details enhance functionality. Operable louvres allow for temperature control and improved air circulation. A green roof integrates the building further into its surroundings, merging architecture with nature. From every angle, the design honors the landscape and encourages peacefulness and reflection.

As visitors approach, they are welcomed by a terrace that connects the outdoors to the cabin's interior, inviting them to step inside and engage with an environment intended for personal renewal and introspection.

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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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