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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Harmonize in a Sustainable Community Space

Authors:
Eric Hurtt, Jeffrey Lazuka
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Harmonize in a Sustainable Community Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and local stone, the design integrates sustainable practices into a community space that promotes mindfulness and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrates a natural water filtration system using locally sourced materials.
05
Landscape design includes dedicated meditation areas promoting ecological awareness.

### Overview

The project focuses on the restoration and revitalization of a historic barn in Latvia, emphasizing eco-friendly design while preserving the structure's historical significance. The intent is to create a space that fosters a connection with nature and supports reflective practices, in alignment with ecological conservation and human wellness principles.

### Preservation and Modern Integration

The restoration process prioritizes the retention and enhancement of original elements, such as the existing brick walls, which highlight historical craftsmanship. New windows have been carefully introduced to improve daylighting while maintaining the barn's rustic character. A significant aspect of the design is the site layout, which facilitates interaction with the surrounding landscape through features such as a meditation lawn, sauna, and garden spaces, encouraging outdoor activities and mindfulness practices.

### Sustainable Materiality and Innovative Features

The material palette consists of locally sourced and sustainable resources, meaningfully merging the old with the new. Local stone is used for structural integrity, while brick frames complement the original design. Timber features prominently in the sauna and landscape elements, further emphasizing sustainability. Extensive glass sections offer expansive views of the exterior landscape, enhancing the sense of connection with nature.

Innovative systems have been integrated, including a natural water filtration system employing gravel and charcoal, reflecting a commitment to ecological principles. Solar panels discreetly incorporated into the slate roofing facilitate renewable energy generation while respecting the barn’s historic aesthetic. The versatile interior design accommodates various community activities, such as yoga and art workshops, fostering inclusivity and engagement.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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