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Wooden Retreat Designed for Quiet Introspection in a Forest Setting

Authors:
Sandra Kołaczek, Wojciech Jędrosz
Wooden Retreat Designed for Quiet Introspection in a Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Constructed primarily from local wood, the cabin integrates a minimalist box design within the forest, aiming to provide a tranquil space for meditation and self-reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from locally sourced wood Features a minimalist box form to enhance focus Incorporates large openings for natural light and views Sound design elements foster sensory awareness Integrates seamlessly with the surrounding forest environment.

The Silent Meditation Cabin is a carefully designed space located in the heart of the Latvian forest. It serves as a retreat for individuals seeking mindfulness and self-reflection. The design emphasizes simplicity and clarity, enabling users to connect deeply with nature and themselves.

Site Integration

The cabin is placed thoughtfully within the forest, enhancing the sense of peace and contemplation. Its design promotes a close relationship with the landscape. Large windows and open areas draw in natural light and frame views of the trees, allowing the interior to feel connected to the outdoor environment.

Architectural Form

Described as a "box within a shell," the cabin embodies a minimalist aesthetic. This simple form supports the idea of inner exploration. The straightforward layout encourages focus, making it easier for visitors to engage in meditation and quiet thought.

Material Selection

Wood serves as the primary material in the cabin's construction. It is sourced locally, reflecting the natural context of the surroundings. This choice adds warmth to the space and aligns with environmentally friendly practices. The sounds of the wood, along with its textured surfaces, enhance the sensory experience and foster a deeper engagement with the environment.

The design illustrates a careful balance between interior comfort and the beauty of the forest. Every wooden beam and structural element works together to create a unified atmosphere that encourages reflection and mindfulness for those who enter.

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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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