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Charred Wood Shingles and Living Walls Create a Mindfulness Hub in the Latvian Boglands

Authors:
Parth Prajapati, Ata Jan-ahmadnejad, Tejinder Babbar, Austin Hendy
Charred Wood Shingles and Living Walls Create a Mindfulness Hub in the Latvian Boglands

Project in-detail

Employing charred wood shingles and bio-inspired living walls, the design fosters a strong connection with the Latvian boglands while providing a multifunctional space dedicated to wellness activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates living walls to enhance biodiversity and air quality.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and views.
04
Constructed using locally sourced cross-laminated timber panels.
05
Elevated structure minimizes ecological impact on the surrounding boglands.

## Project Overview

Located in the biodiverse bogs of Latvia, the "Ritual in Nature" design seeks to integrate architecture within its natural environment while promoting a connection between individuals and the surrounding ecosystem. The primary objective is to create spaces that facilitate rituals encouraging mindfulness and wellness, utilizing architecture as a means to reconnect with nature.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction

The design centers around an open, communal area dedicated to yoga and multipurpose activities, complemented by specialized zones for gardening, social gatherings, and relaxation. This layout is structured to promote interaction among users while also providing private spaces for contemplation. Elevated on tree trunk-like columns, the building reduces its footprint, creating a modern aesthetic characterized by angular forms and light-filled interiors. Extensive use of large glass facades and outdoor terraces fosters a direct connection with the natural landscape, enhancing accessibility and immersion in the environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Initiatives

The project features a thoughtful selection of materials that align with both functional and aesthetic principles. Wood is predominantly used for structural elements and finishes, providing warmth and harmony with the landscape. Glass components maximize natural light and views while facilitating an unobtrusive transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Additional sustainable elements include living walls, which improve air quality and thermal efficiency, and a green roof designed for stormwater management. Rainwater harvesting systems further minimize environmental impact, reflecting a commitment to eco-friendly practices throughout the design, including natural ventilation and solar shading.

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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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