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Acoustically Integrated Shelters Crafted from Timber with Sustainable Green Roofs

Authors:
Camila Xavier carvalho, Kimberly Puccetti
Acoustically Integrated Shelters Crafted from Timber with Sustainable Green Roofs

Project in-detail

Timber shelters equipped with green roofs and integrated sound elements create a tranquil environment for writers and poets to engage with their creativity amidst nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber construction employs charred wood for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Acoustic features, such as sound sculptures, are integrated to enrich the environment.
03
The layout includes a spiraling path, symbolizing the creative journey of users.
04
Flexible communal spaces are designed for various collaborative activities.
05
Green roofs support biodiversity while enhancing thermal performance and aesthetics.

The architectural project "Presence Through Sound" is situated in Pavilosta, Latvia, and serves as a dedicated environment for writers and poets. Designed to merge the concepts of community, nature, and creativity, this project emphasizes a unique relationship with the surrounding landscape. It provides spaces that stimulate reflection and collaboration, integrating various architectural structures that cater to both individual and group activities.

The project functions primarily as a retreat for creative individuals, allowing them to engage with their writing in a tranquil setting. It includes multiple huts for solitary work, as well as community spaces that facilitate interaction and shared experiences. Architectural elements have been thoughtfully arranged to create pathways that promote exploration and connectivity within the site.

Spatial Organization and Unique Elements

The layout comprises several key components, including individual writing huts and a communal host hut. The huts, constructed from natural timber, are designed with gabled roofs that reference traditional Latvian architecture. Each structure functions autonomously while contributing to the overall atmosphere of creativity. The incorporation of a community garden encourages interactions among users, serving as a focal point for gatherings.

A prominent feature is the spiraling pathway that traverses the site, symbolizing the creative journey. This design element not only enhances navigation but also evokes a sense of discovery as users traverse different parts of the environment. Additionally, the project incorporates sound elements, such as rain sculptures and wind chimes, to enrich the auditory experience and promote mindfulness among users.

Sustainable Design and Materiality

Sustainability is a key focus of the design, as evident in the use of various ecological materials. Natural timber serves as the primary structural element, while the project also incorporates green roofs that support biodiversity and thermal efficiency. Other materials, including steel and concrete, are utilized in pathways and framework, ensuring durability and aesthetic integration with the surroundings.

The architectural layout also integrates practical systems such as greywater management, enhancing the sustainability narrative of the project. By incorporating features like moss and birch for insulation and decoration, the design reflects a commitment to ecological harmony.

The combination of community-focused spaces, sound elements, and sustainable practices positions "Presence Through Sound" as a distinctive project within the context of contemporary architecture. It fosters an environment where creativity can flourish in connection with nature and community, differentiating it from standard architectural retreats.

For those interested in a deeper exploration of the architectural ideas, plans, and designs of this project, a thorough review of the architectural sections and details is encouraged. This examination will provide insights into the comprehensive approach taken in the design and its implications for architectural practice.

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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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