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Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Timber Create Harmonious Living in Rural Latvia

Authors:
Aiva Dorbe, Krista Kušķe, Anete Soldāne, Lauma Kalnina
Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Timber Create Harmonious Living in Rural Latvia

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop sustainably sourced timber structures, creating a functional living environment that seamlessly integrates with the rural Latvian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are utilized for exterior cladding, enhancing durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed for structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
03
The design features a bent A-frame structure that maximizes interior space while responding to local climate.
04
Strategically placed terraces foster outdoor connectivity and encourage social interaction among residents.
05
Local landscaping incorporates native flora to minimize ecological disruption and enhance natural aesthetics.

### Overview

Located in a rural area of Latvia, the Latvian Grey project integrates traditional farmstead aesthetics with modern sustainable design. The intent is to create an architectural expression that fosters a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the surrounding landscape, thereby reflecting both cultural heritage and contemporary living practices.

### Architectural Form and Materiality

The project features gabled structures that evoke the traditional silhouette of Latvian farmsteads while addressing climatic needs. Steeply pitched roofs are designed to efficiently shed snow and rain, and overhanging eaves provide protection from direct sunlight in the summer months. Constructed from sustainably sourced timber, the buildings incorporate dark wooden cladding that achieves a weathered appearance, with significant use of naturally aged wood to enhance authenticity. Large windows facilitate visual connections to the landscape, allowing abundant natural light while prioritizing privacy. Metal components in the roofing and detailing add durability and modernity to the overall design.

### Spatial Layout and Sustainability

The interior layout prioritizes adaptability, offering both communal spaces and private retreats through strategically designed two-level configurations. Elements such as multifunctional furniture maximize usability, while outdoor terraces extend living spaces into the natural environment. Each building is elevated on pilings to optimize views and reduce ecological impact. The project adheres to eco-friendly construction practices and incorporates innovative thermal insulation and ventilation strategies to enhance energy efficiency. Buildings are oriented to optimize passive solar gain, ensuring comfort across seasonal variations through features designed to manage temperature and airflow.

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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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