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Asymmetrical Thatch Roof Retreat with Reclaimed Barn Wood Hearth

Author:
Gerson Alvarez
Asymmetrical Thatch Roof Retreat with Reclaimed Barn Wood Hearth

Project in-detail

The innovative use of reclaimed barn wood and an asymmetrical thatch roof creates a distinctive retreat that fosters community around a central hearth in a serene forest setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reclaimed barn wood beams and planks are utilized to emphasize environmental sustainability.
02
A central hearth design fosters communal engagement, echoing traditional Latvian cultural practices.
03
The thatched roof offers natural insulation while blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
04
Large frameless glass panels enhance the connection between indoor spaces and the natural environment.
05
Asymmetrical architectural design optimizes light and ventilation throughout the year.

### Overview
The Jani Cabin is situated within a forested area of Latvia, reflecting a synthesis of contemporary architecture and the region's cultural heritage. This project addresses the crucial relationship between nature and community, with a particular emphasis on the significance of fire as a focal point for gathering and ritual. By providing a functional retreat that honors traditional values, the design aims to create spaces for both communal interaction and personal reflection.

### Spatial Organization
The layout of the Jani Cabin incorporates a variety of spaces to support diverse activities. Central to the design is an intimate gathering area oriented around a hearth, fostering community engagement while also providing private areas for individual respite. Enclosed sleeping quarters and open living spaces offer flexibility, accommodating both group dynamics and solitary experiences. The sheltered gathering area serves as a transitional space between indoor and outdoor environments, promoting connection with the surrounding landscape.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The design prioritizes sustainable practices through careful material selection that resonates with the local context. Reclaimed barn wood beams and planks contribute to a rustic aesthetic while reducing the carbon footprint associated with new materials. The use of thatch roofing provides natural insulation, blending seamlessly with the rural landscape. Additionally, large frameless glass elements enhance connectivity to the outdoors, while the incorporation of photovoltaic cells underscores a commitment to renewable energy solutions. Each material choice reflects the project's ethos of durability and environmental stewardship.

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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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