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Birchwood And Stone Retreat Embracing Nature Through Dual Triangular Forms

Author:
Yan Guo
Birchwood And Stone Retreat Embracing Nature Through Dual Triangular Forms

Project in-detail

Incorporating birchwood and stone walls, the dual triangular structures create a harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape, offering serene guest accommodations and a dedicated tea-making facility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dual triangular forms symbolize the inhale and exhale of breath.
02
The design incorporates existing stone walls from a historical barn.
03
Birchwood is prominently featured, connecting to the local environment.
04
Walkable green roofs enhance interaction with the surrounding landscape.
05
Multiple functional areas support tea-making and communal activities.

The design is located in the calm landscape of Latvia, focusing on the theme of breath. It represents both the inhale and exhale of air. This concept returns to the idea of connection, influencing how the buildings are arranged and how they interact with nature. It features two triangular structures that face each other and are joined by a central walkway. These shapes take inspiration from the traditional gabled roofs found in Latvia’s rural settings.

Conceptual Framework

The two triangular forms work together, reflecting the balance between the built environment and nature. Existing stone walls from an old barn are incorporated into the design to maintain a sense of history. This strategy merges traditional elements with a modern approach, resulting in a building that recognizes its roots while serving contemporary needs.

Spatial Organization

The central walkway is a key feature that improves movement and accessibility between the tea-making area and the guest accommodations. This walkway helps create a flow between indoor and outdoor environments, allowing light and fresh air to enter the spaces. This design makes it easy for visitors to explore and appreciate both the building and its surroundings.

Functional Design

Inside the tea-making area, the layout is organized into specific sections for cutting, mixing, drying, and packing. This clear arrangement supports efficiency and maintains the quality of work. A mezzanine level is included in the design to offer flexibility, providing additional space for different uses and activities.

Material Considerations

Birchwood is an important material in this design, chosen for its connection to the local environment. It adds warmth to the interior spaces and aligns with sustainable building practices. The earthy tones of birchwood harmonize with the overall design, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

The walkable green roofs invite people to connect with the natural landscape. These areas encourage reflection and provide a deeper experience of the environment around the buildings. They not only support ecological efforts but also act as extensions of the indoor spaces, fostering a relationship between architecture and nature.

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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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