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Elliptical Roofs and Steel Columns Emphasizing Connection to Nature

Authors:
Siran Huang, Hongwen Zhan, Hongye Zhu, Binzhu Han
Elliptical Roofs and Steel Columns Emphasizing Connection to Nature

Project in-detail

An elliptical roof structure encompasses a central fireplace and public platform, creating a cohesive space that integrates cabins and a sauna along the Venta River, designed for communal living and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fireplace serves as a central gathering point for community activities.
02
Sauna overlooks the Venta River, enhancing relaxation experiences.
03
Elliptical roof design connects interior spaces with nature.
04
Public platform integrates communal and private areas seamlessly.
05
Family farming initiatives support sustainable living practices.

The Caramel Shore Traveller Rooms are located along the Venta River in Latvia. The design combines private living spaces with communal areas, creating a setting that encourages social interaction and connects residents with the nearby natural environment. The approach reflects an understanding of local culture and the importance of harmony between architecture and nature.

Fireplace and Communal Space

At the heart of the design is a fireplace that serves as a central gathering area. It accommodates a large number of people, making it a key space for social activities. This feature fosters connections among residents as they come together around the warmth of the fire. The fireplace is designed as a traditional element that supports communal rituals and activities. Its elliptical roof structure forms an inviting atmosphere that links the indoor environment with the outside sky and surrounding trees.

Sauna and Connection to Nature

The sauna is thoughtfully placed to take advantage of the peaceful views of the river. This reflects the local culture's emphasis on wellness and relaxation. The design encourages outdoor activities like rowing, enhancing the interaction with the landscape. The sauna not only serves as a place for self-care but also connects residents to the natural beauty around them.

Family Farming Integration

Family farming is an integral part of the project, making outdoor activities vital to the living experience. This inclusion promotes sustainability and encourages a closer relationship with nature. It provides practical benefits as well as visual appeal, enhancing the overall atmosphere and creating a sense of community. The landscape becomes a shared space that nurtures a connection to the earth.

Elevated Dining Area

The design features an elevated dining area that bridges indoor and outdoor spaces. Occupants can enjoy beautiful views of the Venta River while dining. This arrangement enhances the experience of meals, allowing for a more enjoyable connection to the landscape. The elevated position of the dining area creates visual interest and emphasizes the project’s focus on community interaction in a natural setting.

The design culminates in a public platform that brings together the sauna and fireplace, encouraging engagement between private and shared spaces. This thoughtful arrangement contributes to a living environment that resonates with both comfort and a strong connection to the 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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