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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Define a Sustainable Community Space in Latvia

Authors:
Daniel Martínez Valle, Gabriela Alejandra Guerrero Belmont, Juan Negrete Muñoz, Julio Cesar Fuentes Morales
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Define a Sustainable Community Space in Latvia

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and large glass facades, this community-focused development in Latvia optimizes natural light while offering versatile spaces for social engagement and connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels, providing structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and views.
04
Landscape design utilizes local flora to promote ecological harmony.
05
Includes multifunctional outdoor spaces for community engagement and activities.

### Overview

The architectural design is situated in Layvia, Latvia, and is characterized by its integration of private and community spaces that promote ecological awareness and comfort. Designed to enhance the living experience while maintaining a dialogue with the local environment, the project accounts for the region's climatic variations and demographic context, serving a population of approximately 2,070 residents.

### Spatial Organization

The design delineates distinct zones for private and public use. The private area includes a first floor with communal spaces such as a lounge and kitchen, fostering family interactions illuminated by natural light. The second floor accommodates bedrooms with open balconies that offer expansive views of the landscape, while a basement provides functional spaces including a laundry room and storage areas. In contrast, the public zone features a restaurant and event hall that not only serve the local community but also attract visitors, thereby enhancing social engagement. Outdoor terraces and gardens further support recreational activities, aligning with the project's ecological principles.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials is pivotal in addressing both aesthetic and environmental considerations. Key materials include local wood species—such as Abies alba, Betula, and Larix—promoting a natural aesthetic that complements the surrounding landscape. Thermal insulation materials have been utilized to optimize energy efficiency amid the region's temperature fluctuations. Glass is incorporated to maximize natural light while maintaining minimal disruption to the environment, and stone is featured in the façade to ensure durability and regional contextuality. Additionally, the integration of solar panels underscores a commitment to renewable energy solutions. The landscape design incorporates native flora arranged in geometric patterns, enhancing aesthetic appeal while preserving local ecosystems and facilitating responsible land use.

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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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