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Elevated Retreat Featuring Natural Pine and Thoughtfully Designed Communal Spaces

Author:
Steve Nardone
Elevated Retreat Featuring Natural Pine and Thoughtfully Designed Communal Spaces

Project in-detail

Nestled among Latvia's forests, the elevated design utilizes local pine and concrete to create a sustainable retreat that balances communal interactions with individual comfort for trekkers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique engravings reflect local Latvian culture within the cabin walls.
02
Rooftop deck provides expansive views and promotes outdoor community engagement.
03
Compact footprint enhances minimal environmental impact while maximizing utility.
04
Natural ventilation designed through window orientation to reduce energy reliance.
05
Sauna incorporated as a holistic wellness element for guests' relaxation.

## Overview

The Pine Hut is an architectural initiative situated in the forests of Latvia, designed to serve as trekking cabins that provide modern living accommodations while fostering an immersive experience with the surrounding natural environment. The project emphasizes sustainable practices and aims to minimize its carbon footprint by utilizing locally sourced materials and integrating its design with the regional ecological systems.

## Material Selection

The construction employs a range of materials that reflect both functionality and contextual relevance. Local pine wood serves as the primary building component, chosen for its warmth and availability. Concrete foundations elevate the structure, providing insulation and moisture protection. Stone and mortar are used for chimneys, echoing traditional local building methods, while mahogany accents in furnishings enhance the aesthetic quality. Hybrid windows with single-pane glass offer expansive views without compromising thermal efficiency, supplemented by a thermal insulating layer in the design that optimizes energy retention.

## Spatial Organization

The Pine Hut's design incorporates distinct functional zones tailored to the needs of its users. An open living area welcomes guests with natural light and views of the landscape through large windows. The sleeping quarters feature bunk beds arranged to maximize space and facilitate communal interaction. A natural fire-heated sauna promotes relaxation during colder months, and a rooftop deck provides outdoor leisure and panoramic views. Each spatial element has been meticulously planned to ensure usability while maintaining a minimal footprint within the natural setting.

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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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