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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Walls Enhance an Eco-Friendly Retreat in Latvia

Authors:
Anaïs Duquesnoy, Lucien Desmenez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Walls Enhance an Eco-Friendly Retreat in Latvia

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive transparent walls, the design creates a seamless blend with nature while fostering sustainability in a retreat dedicated to wellness and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural performance and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that enhances natural light and connection with the surrounding landscape.
04
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems to promote self-sufficiency in water usage.
05
Blends indoor and outdoor environments with expansive transparent walls for immersive nature experiences.
The Terra Nostra project reflects a modern approach to sustainable architecture, designed to foster a harmonious relationship between human habitation and the natural environment in Latvia. This architectural endeavor emphasizes ecological responsibility while promoting a sense of community and well-being. The project is not merely a structure but represents a broader vision of what sustainable living can achieve when thoughtfully integrated into the surrounding landscape.

Functionally, Terra Nostra serves as a retreat that accommodates guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in a natural setting. It encompasses various spaces, including guest lodgings, community areas, and facilities dedicated to organic farming. The design encourages interaction, both among guests and with the surrounding nature, stripping away rigid boundaries to promote a more fluid experience of space.

Important details of the project highlight its commitment to sustainability in every aspect. The guest rooms feature large, transparent walls that not only enhance the visual connection with the outdoors but also harness natural light, reducing the need for artificial illumination. This design choice creates spaces that feel open and inviting while reducing energy consumption. The selection of local wood, bricks, and stone as primary building materials further roots the project in its geographical context, ensuring that it aligns aesthetically and physically with the Latvian landscape.

The community facilities are thoughtfully considered, incorporating multifunctional spaces that can accommodate activities such as yoga classes and group gatherings. These areas are designed to be flexible, allowing for a variety of uses to help cultivate a strong sense of community among visitors. The integration of farming areas within the architectural design emphasizes the importance of local food production and environmental education. By incorporating aquaponic systems and organic gardens, Terra Nostra not only serves as a place for relaxation but also as a platform for learning about sustainable practices and the importance of biodiversity.

Unique design approaches in the Terra Nostra project include its integration of permaculture principles, which promotes not only sustainability but a more productive use of land. The landscaping features, designed to enhance native plant biodiversity, offer an immersive environmental experience for guests while serving practical purposes such as food cultivation and habitat creation for local wildlife.

This project advances contemporary architectural ideas by addressing space utilization in a manner that embraces both individual and collective experiences. The transparent walls, for instance, create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments, allowing guests to enjoy nature without leaving the comfort of their lodgings. Additionally, the project’s energy-efficient systems, including the strategic placement of solar panels and rainwater harvest systems, reflect an ongoing commitment to ecological integrity while ensuring the long-term viability of the architectural design.

Terra Nostra is ultimately an example of how architecture can encapsulate sustainability while enriching the local community and preserving cultural heritage. Each design element and construction material is purposefully selected to support these goals, creating a cohesive narrative that speaks to the importance of living in balance with nature.

For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans, sections, and overall designs of the Terra Nostra project, exploring the presentation will provide further insights into this thoughtfully crafted initiative. Engaging with the architectural ideas presented through this project will enhance the understanding of its sustainable practices and innovative design approaches.
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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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