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Floating Structure With Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Frame for Environmental Education

Authors:
Henrik Sagen, Mandus Lundmark, Victor Ingmo
Floating Structure With Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Frame for Environmental Education

Project in-detail

Elevated above the wetlands, a structure clad in charred wooden shingles and framed with timber serves as a hub for environmental education, inviting visitors to engage with the unique ecosystem of southwestern Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure to minimize environmental impact and maintain wildlife habitat.
02
Cladding made from charred wood to enhance durability and weather resistance.
03
Incorporation of a circular promenade for seamless visitor interaction with nature.
04
Timber frame construction promotes sustainable building practices using local materials.
05
Panoramic lookout offers unobstructed views of the surrounding wetlands ecosystem.

# Common Fields: Project Overview

Common Fields is situated in a natural park along the southwestern coast of Latvia, adjacent to the Baltic Sea. This design seeks to create a functional space that harmonizes with the local ecosystem while providing visitors the opportunity to engage with nature conservation and appreciation. Its intent is to foster coexistence between a man-made structure and the surrounding wildlife, offering educational resources and recreational experiences.

## Spatial Strategy

The design employs an elevated framework that gives the impression of a floating structure, minimizing its ecological footprint. Carefully positioned, the building serves as an observation point for tourists without disrupting the existing flora and fauna. A winding boardwalk facilitates movement through the reeds and wetlands, enhancing visitor interaction with the environment. The architectural layout is designed for exploration, with a circular stair leading to various levels that connect visitors seamlessly with nature.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

In alignment with the project's sustainable ethos, the primary construction materials include timber and local craftsmanship. The timber frame supports the structure and represents a renewable resource, while wooden shingles cladding adds both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits, such as insulation. The building is anchored by slender concrete pillars, which elevate it and mitigate ground disturbance. This material strategy reflects the area's natural textures and colors, allowing the structure to integrate thoughtfully into the landscape.

A dedicated exhibition space on the ground floor amplifies the educational mission, focusing on local wildlife, while an observation platform on the upper level provides panoramic views of the surrounding ecosystem. This combination of features not only enhances the visitor experience but also reinforces the project’s commitment to raising awareness about the importance of local biodiversity and conservation efforts.

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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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