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Deconstructed Wooden Arch with Rainwater Harvesting Along the Lakeshore

Authors:
Anastasiia Vinidiktova, Olena Dobrovolska, Nikolay K, Marian Beresh
Deconstructed Wooden Arch with Rainwater Harvesting Along the Lakeshore

Project in-detail

With a deconstructed wooden arch and a practical rainwater harvesting system, the design reinterprets traditional forms to create a sustainable retreat for artists and their families along the lakeshore.
5 key facts about this project
01
Deconstructed wooden arch design enhances structural efficiency.
02
Sliding wooden shutters adapt to occupancy and climate needs.
03
Rainwater harvesting system supports sustainable living.
04
Walls made from recycled materials connect to local history.
05
Dual structure layout fosters community engagement among occupants.

Situated along a calm lakeshore in Latvia, the design offers a modern take on traditional wooden houses, intended as a retreat for artists and their families. The main focus is on sustainability and ensuring a connection with the natural surroundings. Through a thoughtful design approach, the space adapts to the evolving environment while honoring its historical roots.

Design Concept
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The project embraces the idea that the lakeshore can support both change and new architectural styles. The design features a reimagined wooden roof arch, presenting a structure defined by clean, straightforward lines. This form adapts to the gently rolling terrain of the site, creating a relationship between the built forms and the landscape.

Spatial Arrangement
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The layout of the residence is divided into two parts, allowing for personal privacy while also creating communal areas for interaction. In the center, a shared meeting space serves as a gathering point, facilitating connections among guests while providing the comfort of private living areas. This careful planning meets the needs of artists looking for both solitude and community.

Sustainability Features
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A key element of the design is its emphasis on environmentally friendly features. Solar panels are placed on the roof to meet the building's energy needs, positioned to capture sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, there is a proposed system for collecting and filtering rainwater for household use. This shows a commitment to managing local resources carefully and sustainably.

Connection to Context
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The design reflects the site’s history, with walls that rise from old rubble trench foundations. Reused wood from previous structures wraps around the new forms, providing a visual connection to the past. This approach not only celebrates local architectural history but also emphasizes the project's ecological character.

The overall design achieves a minimalist aesthetic that balances individual comfort with community interaction. Features such as sliding wooden shutters allow flexibility within the space, adapting to different needs throughout the day.

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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

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