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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Community Spaces Within a Nature-Integrated Residence

Authors:
Iryna Daumatovich, Alexsey Melehin, Stanislau Mironenka, Nastassia Branovets
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Community Spaces Within a Nature-Integrated Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and integrating natural water features, this residence creates a harmonious living environment that fosters creativity and connection within the community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels provide both structural integrity and aesthetic warmth throughout the residence.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while offering a unique visual texture.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes indoor spatial flow and promotes natural light.
04
Integrated natural water features contribute to a soothing acoustic environment.
05
Paths through native plant gardens enhance biodiversity and minimize maintenance needs.

The project entitled "The Spirit of Poetry" represents a carefully designed residential complex located in Latvia, aimed at cultivating a serene environment for individuals engaged in creative pursuits. The architecture is characterized by a seamless integration with the natural landscape, creating a harmonious space that emphasizes tranquility, reflection, and artistic expression.

One of the central functions of this architectural endeavor is to provide flexible living and communal spaces that cater to various needs, including private residences as well as areas for social interaction and creative activity. The design promotes a connection to the outdoors, allowing inhabitants to engage with the surrounding nature while enjoying modern amenities.

The project consists of several notable components. The main building serves multiple functions, encompassing communal areas that include a lounge, kitchen, and exhibition space. These areas facilitate social interaction among residents and visitors, fostering a sense of community. Each housing unit is uniquely designed to accommodate different household sizes, with options for single occupants as well as families, ensuring that the architecture meets diverse living requirements.

Unique Design Approaches

A key feature of this architectural design is its approach to materiality. The use of timber for the facade provides warmth and a connection to the natural environment, while large glass windows maximize natural light and create expansive views of the landscape. The design employs concrete for structural elements, establishing a durable yet understated presence. This careful selection of materials contributes to both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the project, balancing modernity with ecological sensitivity.

The integration of landscaping into the architectural design is also significant. The layout includes smooth pathways that guide movement through gardens filled with native plants, limiting maintenance needs and enhancing biodiversity. The incorporation of natural water features aids in environmental sustainability while providing a soothing auditory experience for residents.

Sustainability measures enhance the project’s functionality. Wind generators and solar energy collectors are strategically placed to harness renewable energy sources. Natural ventilation systems are integrated throughout the designs, reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling. These features reflect a commitment to creating an energy-efficient environment that aligns with contemporary sustainable architectural practices.

Overall, "The Spirit of Poetry" illustrates a thoughtful application of architectural principles that prioritize community, creativity, and ecological responsibility. For further details and insights regarding architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas that informed the design, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. This exploration will provide a deeper understanding of how these elements coalesce to form a cohesive and functional residential complex that serves its intended purpose.

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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