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Charred Wooden Shingles and Slatted Facades Shaping a Coastal Gathering Space

Authors:
Julia Tarnawski Español, Mateo Marsicano Lavitula, Miquel Benedito Ribelles, Pol Clusella Arimany
Charred Wooden Shingles and Slatted Facades Shaping a Coastal Gathering Space

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and slatted facades harmonize with the coastal landscape to create a multifunctional gathering space that invites exploration and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built using charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and airflow throughout the interior.
04
Strategically positioned along the coastline to promote interaction with the surrounding ecosystem.
05
Includes pathways that meander through native vegetation, fostering a connection to the local environment.

# Architectural Design Analysis Report: "The Time Capsule" Project in Latvia

## Overview
Located along the amber coastline of Latvia, the project seeks to reconcile local architectural traditions with contemporary design principles while fostering a deep connection with the natural environment. The intent is to create a communal space that serves as a refuge for hikers and visitors, emphasizing preservation and resilience through its design inspired by the properties of amber. By reflecting on Latvia’s cultural and environmental context, the structure strives to honor traditional building practices while addressing modern user needs.

## Spatial Strategy and Interaction with Nature
The building’s form features a simple geometric structure with a pyramidal roof, reminiscent of traditional Latvian cabins but adapted to contemporary standards. Internal spaces are organized around a central hearth, promoting communal interaction and a sense of warmth. Strategically placed openings and expansive windows enhance user experience by integrating views of the landscape and allowing natural light to permeate the interior. Pathways through native vegetation encourage exploration and engagement with the local ecology, further enriching the experiential quality of the site.

## Materiality and Environmental Considerations
The project emphasizes sustainability through its choice of materials and construction techniques. Predominantly utilizing locally sourced wood from nearby pine forests, the design reflects traditional Latvian construction while incorporating modern elements. Stone serves as a stable foundation that connects the structure to the regional geological characteristics. Glass is used to create transparency and to encourage natural lighting, while metal components introduce a contemporary contrast. The construction also adopts a non-invasive foundation method, utilizing locally sourced sand, which minimizes ecological disruption and reduces transportation emissions, thereby supporting the local economy.

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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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