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Courtyard Retreat Framed by Round Roof and Timber Harmony

Author:
Janneke Revenboer
Courtyard Retreat Framed by Round Roof and Timber Harmony

Project in-detail

Defined by its round roof and thoughtful use of timber, the design creates a harmonious connection between interior spaces and the surrounding Latvian landscape, serving as both a residence and a dedicated painter's workshop.
5 key facts about this project
01
Defined by a round roof, the design creates an open central courtyard that encourages community interaction.
02
Timber construction utilizes local resources, emphasizing sustainability and minimizing environmental impact.
03
Movable wooden panels allow for flexible space configurations in the painter's workshop.
04
Monumental trees on-site are preserved, blending the structure with the natural landscape.
05
Large windows frame panoramic views, enhancing both natural light and the connection to nature.

The project is located in Latvia, surrounded by a rich and diverse natural environment. It serves the dual purpose of providing a residence as well as a workshop for painters. The design concept focuses on harmony with nature, encouraging appreciation for the changing landscapes outside. The overall aim is to create spaces that are open, light-filled, and functional, fostering a connection between indoor living and the outdoor world.

Design Philosophy
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The design philosophy is rooted in drawing inspiration from nature. Spaces are designed to facilitate interaction with the outdoor elements, with large windows thoughtfully positioned to capture views of trees, lakes, and skies. This approach connects occupants to their environment, enhancing daily experiences and promoting mindfulness of the natural surroundings.

Sustainability and Materiality
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Sustainability is a central theme, with timber chosen as the primary material because of its renewability and insulating qualities. Using wood reduces environmental impact while supporting local resources. The design carefully preserves existing monumental trees on the site, only removing those that obstruct vital views. This strategy reflects a conscious effort to respect the ecological balance while fulfilling the project's functional needs.

Spatial Organization
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The layout is open and interconnected, enhancing the flow between different functional areas. The arrangement maximizes natural light and unobstructed views, which improves the quality of life for residents. Movable wooden panels provide flexibility, allowing spaces to adapt according to residents' needs. This thoughtful design promotes both community interaction and personal privacy, balancing social and individual living experiences.

Innovative Structural Elements
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A round roof characterizes the architecture, serving both practical and visual purposes. It creates an inviting courtyard designed for shelter and encourages social interaction among residents. The roof's orientation has been considered to maximize the efficiency of solar panels, integrating renewable energy solutions into the design. This alignment highlights the connection between the structure and its natural setting, underscoring the project’s commitment to sustainability.


This design integrates living and artistic spaces in a way that encourages creativity and reflection. Large windows frame beautiful views, while the layout supports both shared experiences and individual quiet moments. The result is a carefully considered environment that honors the unique characteristics of the Latvian landscape.

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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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