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Birch and Pine Wellness Center Blending Into the Latvian Forest

Authors:
Giuseppe Parisi, Francesco Rega
Birch and Pine Wellness Center Blending Into the Latvian Forest

Project in-detail

Constructed with local birch and pine, the wellness center seamlessly integrates with Latvia's forest landscape, offering a tranquil space for health and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from locally sourced birch and pine.
02
Features large windows that connect interior spaces to the surrounding forest.
03
Designed to promote both individual therapy and community interaction.
04
Incorporates sustainable practices by using minimal transportation for materials.
05
Emphasizes a layout that balances public and private areas effectively.

The wellness center is situated in the serene landscape of Latvia, designed to foster a strong bond between nature and its users. The facility serves to promote health and relaxation while reflecting the cultural heritage of the region. The overall design concept emphasizes simplicity and functionality, creating spaces that encourage both individual and communal experiences.

Site Integration
The center is carefully positioned to take full advantage of the natural topography and features of the area. Large windows are incorporated into communal spaces, allowing for expansive views of the surrounding forest. This design choice invites natural light inside and helps dissolve the boundaries between the building's interior and the outdoors, thus creating a calming atmosphere that encourages visitors to connect with the environment.

Spatial Organization
In terms of layout, the wellness center clearly defines public and private areas to ensure comfort and accessibility for all users. Communal spaces, such as dining and relaxation rooms, are designed to promote social interaction while private therapy rooms provide a quiet retreat. This arrangement respects traditional uses of space while adapting to the needs of modern life.

Material Selection
The project includes natural birch and pine, sourced from nearby forests. Such material choices reduce transportation impacts and emphasize sustainability. These local materials enhance the welcoming feel of the building while connecting it to the natural surroundings, creating a unified design language that speaks to the environment.

The use of expansive glazing and green elements throughout the center allows nature to play an active role in daily activities. The interplay of light and indoor greenery contributes to a soothing environment, fulfilling the wellness center's intent to nurture both body and mind.

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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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