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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Wood Blend in a Community-Centric Retreat

Authors:
Lynn (lingyun) Qian, Jarron Tham
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Wood Blend in a Community-Centric Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and locally sourced timber, this communal retreat harmonizes with the Latvian landscape while providing a multifunctional space for relaxation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles contribute to the project's connection with local fire prevention practices.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while offering thermal efficiency.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light while providing unique aesthetic appeal.
04
Landscaping integrates local flora, creating seamless transitions between built and natural environments.
05
Community spaces are strategically located to encourage collaboration and interaction among users.

This architectural design project, titled "Into an Architectural Poem," is located in Latvia and serves as a multifaceted communal space that emphasizes the relationship between architecture and nature. The project integrates living accommodations, communal dining, and performance spaces into a cohesive structure that respects its natural surroundings while fostering community interaction and engagement. The design ethos is rooted in Latvian cultural narratives, reflecting a deep appreciation for local traditions and the landscape's inherent qualities.

The project comprises several essential components, including a Host Accommodation, Individual Huts, a Multifunctional Space, and an Open Meditation Area. The Host Accommodation acts as the primary gathering point, offering communal amenities while providing private accommodations that facilitate a connection to the outdoors through strategically placed windows and doors. Individual Huts are designed for privacy and comfort, maintaining access to scenic views and featuring wooden construction that complements the natural environment. The Multifunctional Space serves as a dining and performance venue, designed to encourage social gathering and cultural expression.

### Architectural Integration with Nature

What sets "Into an Architectural Poem" apart from other projects is its commitment to harmonizing architecture with its environment. The use of local materials, including dark stained timber and copper elements, not only ensures visual coherence with the landscape but also addresses environmental sustainability. The design incorporates pitched roofs that efficiently manage snow load, a characteristic of traditional Latvian architecture, which also aids in water runoff and overall functionality.

Each building's orientation has been meticulously planned to maximize natural light and views, enhancing the occupants' experience. The project defines outdoor spaces through decking and landscaping that seamlessly transition from the indoor environments, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where nature becomes an extension of the architecture.

### Community-Centric Design

The project emphasizes community interaction through its spatial arrangement. The adjacency of the Host Accommodation and Multifunctional Space encourages social engagement while maintaining personal retreats within the individual huts. This configuration allows for various activities, including dining, meditation, and cultural performances, thereby serving multiple functions that can adapt to user needs.

The thoughtful integration of communal and private spaces creates an environment conducive to collaboration and connection. Moreover, the Open Meditation Space is strategically situated to offer tranquility away from the hustle of communal areas, illustrating a sensitive understanding of user experience and well-being in architectural design.

For those interested in a detailed exploration of "Into an Architectural Poem," reviewing the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas will provide a nuanced understanding of how this project brings together the principles of architecture, culture, and nature. Consider examining these elements further to gain insight into the thought processes and methodologies that informed this design.

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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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