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Chinampa Gardens and Trompe-l'œil Walls in Eco-Friendly Retreat Constructed with Natural Stone and Wood

Authors:
Daniel Flores Corona, Juan Antonio Marquez Luna, Diego Armando Haro Hernandez, Fernando Alberto Zabala Reyes
Chinampa Gardens and Trompe-l'œil Walls in Eco-Friendly Retreat Constructed with Natural Stone and Wood

Project in-detail

Chinampa gardens and trompe-l'œil walls complement a retreat constructed from natural stone and wood, creating a functional space that fosters community engagement and ecological awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Chinampa gardens provide a sustainable method for food production and habitat diversity.
02
Trompe-l'œil walls enhance passive solar heating while creating visual interest.
03
Natural stone construction reinforces durability and aesthetic compatibility with the landscape.
04
Curvilinear design promotes fluidity and seamless interaction between interior and exterior spaces.
05
Biomass heating system minimizes environmental impact and utilizes organic waste from the site.

## Project Overview

Located in Latvia, this architectural retreat is designed to facilitate a deeper connection between individuals and their natural surroundings. The project emphasizes ecological sustainability and thoughtful engagement with the diverse landscapes, creating a space intended for reflection and rejuvenation. The concept reflects a desire to counterbalance the hectic pace of urban life, providing users with an environment conducive to tranquility and self-discovery.

## Spatial Strategy and Interior Organization

The building's design features an organic form that fosters a continuous interaction between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape. Curved walls and a fluid layout encourage exploration, guiding users through various functional areas while creating a seamless connection with nature. The arrangement emphasizes both communal and private spaces, incorporating soft furnishings and tranquil water elements to enhance the retreat's therapeutic atmosphere. Expansive glass walls are strategically employed to maintain visual and psychological ties to the outdoors.

### Sustainable Systems and Ecological Integration

Innovative techniques are utilized to promote sustainability, including the incorporation of chinampa gardens—an ancient agricultural method adapted to support biodiversity and local food production. The project integrates systems for solar energy collection, water management, and natural insulation to minimize its ecological impact. Vertical axis wind turbines further enhance energy efficiency, addressing local energy needs while maintaining a focus on sustainability. These features not only support the retreat's functionality but also enrich the user experience by fostering a holistic relationship with the environment.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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