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Burned Wood Facade and Reclaimed Materials in a Sustainable Family Residence

Author:
Arturo Pacheco
Burned Wood Facade and Reclaimed Materials in a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing burned wood for its facade and incorporating reclaimed materials, the residence fosters a deep connection with the surrounding landscape while providing a functional living space for family life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes the Shou Sugi Ban technique for the facade, enhancing wood durability.
02
Incorporates a greenhouse to separate communal and private areas.
03
Designed to align with sun and wind patterns for energy efficiency.
04
Constructed primarily with reclaimed wood to minimize environmental impact.
05
Features a blend of traditional Latvian elements with modern functionality.

The project in Cernoste, Latvia, reflects a careful blend of traditional architecture and modern living. It sits near a scenic lake, which informs its design and enhances its overall function. The residence aims to create spaces that promote both community and privacy. The design concept draws inspiration from Latvian vernacular architectural forms, resulting in a layout that balances functionality with a sense of place.

Design Concept

The structure aligns with local climatic conditions and the surrounding landscape. Its orientation is designed to take full advantage of natural light and prevailing winds. On the ground floor, the layout features an open plan divided by a greenhouse, which serves as a boundary between communal and private areas. This thoughtful division allows for interaction among family members while providing the necessary privacy for individual activities.

Materials and Construction

The façade uses burned wood paneling, achieved through a method called Shou Sugi Ban. This technique not only improves the wood's durability but also gives it a distinctive texture that complements the regional character. The incorporation of reclaimed wood throughout the construction shows a strong commitment to sustainability. By utilizing available resources, the project minimizes its environmental impact and connects the building to its locale.

Spatial Organization

The interior layout encourages easy movement within the home, enhancing the living experience. Stairs and a balcony on the first floor create a sense of openness while allowing natural light to wash through the spaces. The thoughtful arrangement of rooms promotes a fluid transition between areas, while still providing necessary separations that cater to different needs in daily life.

Unique Features

The greenhouse stands out as a key element in the design. By connecting indoor and outdoor settings, it enhances the overall aesthetic and quality of life for residents. This feature brings nature into the everyday experience, offering not just a visual appeal but also benefits for health and well-being. The greenhouse exemplifies the project's goal of fostering a nurturing relationship between people and their environment.

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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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