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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Versatile Retreat

Authors:
Nikole Bouchard, Milo Bonacci
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Versatile Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design offers a flexible retreat that adapts to seasonal changes while maintaining a strong connection to its local environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and thermal performance.
03
Designed as a modular space, allowing for adaptable configurations throughout the year.
04
Incorporates principles of passive design to optimize energy use and comfort.
05
Emphasizes community involvement in sourcing materials and shaping the design.

### Overview
Located in Latvia, the Analog House emphasizes local materials and sustainable practices within its architectural framework. Designed as a timber cabin, the project seeks to engage with the natural environment while accommodating diverse user needs across various seasons. Its innovative approach to flexibility and modularity allows for the creation of versatile spaces suited to different activities and group sizes.

### Spatial Strategy
The design prioritizes accessibility and adaptability, ensuring that spaces can be adjusted based on user requirements. Central to this strategy is the use of a modular framework that permits transformation between intimate settings and larger communal areas. This adaptability makes the cabin suitable for a range of occupants, such as families, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts, fostering an environment that can cater to both solitude and socialization.

### Materiality
The construction predominantly features solid timber sourced from sustainable Latvian forests, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship and structural durability. The material selection is informed by thermal properties, aesthetic qualities, and local availability, enhancing the cabin’s integration into its surroundings. Additional elements include reclaimed materials to minimize waste and handcrafted components that highlight artisanal techniques, contributing to a unique and culturally resonant architectural expression.

Large windows and open internal layouts facilitate a connection to the outdoor landscape, reinforcing the occupant's relationship with nature and promoting passive climate control techniques that enhance seasonal adaptability. The project demonstrates a thorough understanding of regional climatic conditions, ensuring that the designed environments remain functional and comfortable throughout the year.

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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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