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Charred Wooden Shingles and Translucent Facades Create Distinctive Coastal Retreat

Author:
Sofia Zuccato
Charred Wooden Shingles and Translucent Facades Create Distinctive Coastal Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and a translucent polycarbonate façade, the retreat harmonizes with its coastal surroundings while offering versatile accommodations and communal spaces for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Incorporates translucent polycarbonate panels to optimize natural lighting and visibility.
03
Utilizes locally sourced cross-laminated timber panels, reducing the carbon footprint and promoting regional materials.
04
Features a bent A-frame design to improve structural stability while allowing for spacious interiors.
05
Includes a dedicated greenhouse to support sustainable practices and enhance visitor engagement with nature.
The Pāvilosta Poet Huts project is an architectural endeavor situated in Pāvilosta, Latvia. This project was designed to create a harmonious living space in proximity to nature, serving as a retreat that encourages both community interaction and individual reflection. It combines traditional Latvian architectural elements with contemporary design principles, allowing it to be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally sensitive.

The primary function of the Pāvilosta Poet Huts is to provide accommodation for visitors seeking an immersive natural experience. The project features a series of individual huts, designed to accommodate different group sizes, including single huts for small families or couples and larger gathering spaces for communal activities. Each hut prioritizes comfort and usability, while larger communal areas promote interaction among visitors, ensuring a unique balance between solitude and socialization.

Design Considerations of Individual Huts

The architectural design reflects an understanding of local climate and site conditions. Each hut is oriented to minimize the impact of prevailing winds and is strategically placed to maximize views of the surrounding landscape. Large glass façades enhance natural light penetration and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments. The use of local timber for the structural framework resonates with the regional character while promoting sustainability.

The incorporation of polycarbonate panels allows for controlled daylighting and thermal insulation, ensuring year-round comfort. Each hut features an open-plan interior, facilitating versatile use of space for cooking, dining, and relaxing. Skylights enhance natural ventilation and contribute to energy efficiency while providing a connection to the sky.

Innovative Approaches to Sustainability

Sustainability is a central theme within the Pāvilosta Poet Huts project. The inclusion of a greenhouse promotes sustainable living practices and supports local food production. Eco-friendly materials, such as locally sourced timber and stone, not only reduce the carbon footprint of the construction but also provide continuity with the local environment.

Pathways designed for bicycles and foot traffic highlight the project's commitment to reducing reliance on motor vehicles. These pathways enhance accessibility while encouraging a more active lifestyle for visitors and facilitate exploration of the surrounding natural features.

For a comprehensive understanding of the architectural strategies employed in the Pāvilosta Poet Huts, a review of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs is recommended. Such documentation offers deeper insights into the unique functional and aesthetic decisions that shape this distinctive project.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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