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Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Timber Create a Harmonious Retreat in a Natural Landscape

Author:
Arun Prasad
Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Timber Create a Harmonious Retreat in a Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and laminated timber, this retreat seamlessly integrates into the Latvian landscape, offering flexible spaces for meditation and community gathering.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from locally sourced materials, enhancing sustainability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles that improve weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design, optimizing structural integrity and visual impact.
04
Utilizes extensive glass panels to create seamless connections with the surrounding landscape.
05
Includes flexible multi-functional spaces designed for both individual reflection and community gatherings.
The Trails is an architectural project located in Latvia that integrates with the natural landscape while offering a multifaceted environment for meditation and reflection. The design emphasizes the connection between built and natural elements, creating a setting ideal for personal growth and community interaction. This resort-style complex comprises versatile spaces tailored for a range of activities, from meditation to communal gatherings, fostering an atmosphere of tranquility and connection.

Spatially, The Trails incorporates various distinct areas, including a central meditation space, known as the Meditation Space, and a functional gathering point called the Visitor’s Burrow. Each component works together to create an overarching narrative that guides visitors through an experiential journey. The architectural design allows for fluid movement and interaction, supported by seamlessly integrated pathways that connect the different spaces throughout the site.

The project stands apart from other similar initiatives due to its unique approach to materiality and ecological sensitivity. The use of laminated timber posts and beams not only aligns with sustainable practices but also achieves visual warmth, in contrast with raw concrete elements that provide a grounding effect. Extensive utilization of glass promotes transparency and blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior, enhancing the user experience and fostering a strong connection with the surrounding environment.

Another significant design feature of The Trails is the incorporation of flexible spaces that are adaptable to various uses. By combining areas for ruminative solitude such as Dark Chambers with communal gathering spaces, the design considers diverse user experiences and encourages both individual reflection and social engagement. This flexibility is further supported by thoughtfully designed architectural sections, which provide insights into the functionality and spatial dynamics of the project.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural organization and vision behind The Trails, readers are encouraged to explore the project's architectural plans, sections, and designs. An examination of these elements will provide more details on the innovative design approaches implemented throughout the project, showcasing its thoughtful integration with the landscape and commitment to creating meaningful environments.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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