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Charred Wooden Shingles and Straw Bale Insulation in a Community-Focused Structure

Authors:
Leanne Alcasoas, Tanusha M murthy, Sharon Lisa, Rochelle Dsouza
Charred Wooden Shingles and Straw Bale Insulation in a Community-Focused Structure

Project in-detail

Comprising charred wooden shingles and straw bale insulation, the structure integrates sustainably sourced materials to create a community space that fosters cultural engagement and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with local charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that optimize structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Incorporates straw bale insulation, providing effective thermal performance and energy conservation.
04
Design includes a bent A-frame shape, allowing for unique spatial dynamics and natural light infiltration.
05
Community workshops are integrated within the layout, promoting local craftsmanship and cultural exchange.

"The Sound" architectural project is an exploration of cultural identity and its relationship with the natural environment in Latvia. The design emphasizes an integration with its surrounding landscape, employing traditional Latvian craftsmanship as a focal point. The project serves multiple functions, including accommodation, event spaces, and educational workshops, aimed at enhancing the local cultural experience for both residents and visitors.

The architectural composition comprises several key elements. A welcoming reception area acts as the project’s nexus, leading to zones such as a cactus and herb garden and various cabins designed with a focus on sustainability. The cabins are strategically placed to promote interaction with nature while minimizing ecological impact. The event spaces are designed for community engagement and cultural promotion, housing workshops that highlight regional craft and practices.

Unique design approaches distinguish "The Sound" from similar projects. The architectural layout follows the natural contours of the landscape, ensuring a seamless transition between built structures and the environment. Pathways are intentionally meandering, promoting exploration, while elements inspired by the traditional Latvian "Puzuri" craft emphasize local cultural symbolism through form and material.

Construction materials play a vital role in the design’s sustainability strategy. Key materials include wooden slats for their thermal properties, steel purlins for structural integrity, and straw bales for insulation. Glass is incorporated extensively to foster a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light to enhance the user experience.

The integration of educational workshops within the project not only supports cultural transmission but also encourages community involvement and creative expression, setting "The Sound" apart as a model for future architectural endeavors focused on cultural and environmental consciousness.

For further details and insights into this project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideologies, we encourage exploration of the comprehensive project presentation available.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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