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Beeswax Heating System and Local Stone Integration in Eco-Friendly Cabin Retreat

Author:
Horatiu Bran
Beeswax Heating System and Local Stone Integration in Eco-Friendly Cabin Retreat

Project in-detail

A beeswax-based heating system and the use of local stone enhance the sustainable design of cabins that provide a comfortable retreat in the Latvian countryside.
5 key facts about this project
01
A beeswax tank stores thermal energy for efficient heating.
02
Cabins utilize mineral wool for superior insulation.
03
Wood shingles reflect traditional Latvian roofing techniques.
04
Pathways are designed to enhance interaction with nature.
05
Local stone flooring connects the cabins to the landscape.

The design is located in the Latvian countryside, where it aims to blend built structures with the natural environment. The idea is to create a modern version of the traditional Latvian rural house, serving as a welcoming place for visitors. The design emphasizes comfort and accessibility, focusing on human-scale interactions that allow people to engage with the surrounding landscape.

Concept and Layout

The layout features cabins organized amidst dense vegetation, enhancing privacy while offering beautiful views. The arrangement creates communal spaces for social interaction, while pathways guide visitors through the site. This design fosters an experience that connects users with nature, encouraging them to appreciate the beauty around them.

Climatic Considerations

Effectively addressing climate challenges is an essential part of the design. Strategies include sun shading for windows that help prevent overheating during warmer months. The careful placement of cabins allows for passive solar heating in the winter, ensuring that indoor spaces remain comfortable year-round. This approach meets the needs of occupants while being mindful of the environment.

Material Selection

Specific materials were chosen for their aesthetic and functional properties. Exterior wood panels offer a natural look, while mineral wool insulation contributes to energy efficiency. Wood shingles for the roofs connect the design to local architectural styles, and local stone flooring ties the cabins to the landscape, making them durable and visually appealing.

Heating Strategy

A practical heating system plays a key role in the design. Solar panels are used to heat water, serving both domestic needs and cabin heating. The system includes a tank filled with beeswax that stores thermal energy effectively. This method lowers dependence on conventional energy sources and supports sustainable practices within the design.

Large windows in the cabins allow ample natural light to enter, creating a bright environment and connecting indoor spaces to the expansive outdoor views. Each design choice reinforces the goal of creating a relaxing retreat that respects its rural setting while providing comfort to its users.

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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

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