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Elevated Retreat Crafted from Local Timber and Adaptable Facades Nestled in the Forest

Authors:
Martina Melegari, Lukasz Pita, Gabriele gualdi
Elevated Retreat Crafted from Local Timber and Adaptable Facades Nestled in the Forest

Project in-detail

Elevated and shaped by adaptive facades, this eco-conscious retreat utilizes local timber and innovative insulation techniques to merge seamlessly with the forest, offering visitors a comfortable space for connection and reflection in nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced timber and innovative insulation made from fir needles to enhance sustainability.
02
Features adaptive facades that can rotate to optimize airflow and natural light based on weather conditions.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to create unique interior spatial experiences and perspectives.
04
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for durability and visual harmony with the forest landscape.
05
Emphasizes community interaction through multifunctional spaces that foster social engagement among visitors.
The project at hand is an architectural endeavor known as the Forest Nest, situated along a trekking route in Latvia, a region noted for its rich biodiversity and tranquil forests. This retreat serves a dual purpose: it is a dwelling for visitors seeking a connection with nature and a modern interpretation of a traditional cabin. The design embodies an essence of harmony with its natural surroundings and reflects a strong commitment to sustainability.

The Forest Nest showcases an innovative approach to architecture, characterized by its unique pyramidal form that rises sharply from a triangular base. This shape not only provides structural stability but also enhances the user experience by offering various levels for engagement with the outdoors. The design features three distinct levels which include a base camp, a central core, and an elevated niche, each providing different spatial qualities and perspectives of the surrounding landscape. The base camp serves as a communal area, inviting interaction among guests, while the central core offers a more intimate setting with panoramic views, and the niche provides an elevated vantage point to enjoy the surrounding nature.

Every aspect of the Forest Nest is carefully designed to engage with its environment. The facades are not rigid; they can rotate, allowing them to adapt to varying climatic conditions and user preferences. During warmer months, the facades can open towards the forest, inviting in fresh air, while in colder months, they can close up, creating a snug and protective interior. This flexibility highlights an important aspect of the project: the intent to create a structure that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and responsive to its surroundings.

A significant element of the design is its materiality. The Forest Nest utilizes local building materials, which fosters a connection to the landscape and minimizes environmental impact. Key materials include local wood shingles for roofing, fir slat for structural components, and untreated pine cladding for both internal and external surfaces. These choices emphasize sustainability and enable the structure to blend seamlessly with the forest environment. Innovative insulation techniques, utilizing fir needles, demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to energy efficiency, complementing the project's overall commitment to ecological responsibility.

One of the distinguishing features of the Forest Nest is its dual emphasis on privacy and communal living. The design allows for personal retreats, where guests can experience solitude amidst nature, while simultaneously encouraging social interaction in shared spaces. This balance enhances the overall experience, positioning the project as a contemporary retreat aimed at fostering connections, both between individuals and with the natural world.

Furthermore, the architectural design incorporates elements that cater to seasonal adaptability. The strategic orientation of the cabin regarding sunlight and wind patterns ensures that each level remains comfortable throughout the year. The intricacies of the design promote an energy-efficient lifestyle, where reliance on artificial heating and cooling can be diminished.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the Forest Nest project, including its architectural plans, sections, and additional design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. There, one can delve deeper into the specifics of this architectural work, uncovering the thoughtful details that make the Forest Nest a noteworthy example of contemporary architecture celebrating the synergy between built and natural environments.
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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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