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Grass Roof Habitat Integrating Wood and Biodiversity

Author:
Joe Ingea
Grass Roof Habitat Integrating Wood and Biodiversity
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With a green roof that enhances biodiversity and wooden structures that respond to the surrounding landscape, the design serves as a functional habitat for two residences and a painter's workshop.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design includes intentional gaps between structures to support local wildlife habitats.
02
Large glazed windows in the workshop provide optimal northern light for artistic work.
03
A green roof serves dual purposes of thermal insulation and promoting biodiversity.
04
Rainwater collected from the roof is treated for reuse in domestic applications.
05
Wooden materials are extensively used to enhance warmth and connection to the natural environment.

The design brings together two residential units and a workshop within a landscape, reflecting a modern approach to traditional Latvian building styles. Each component of the design is arranged in a compact formation that encourages privacy while allowing for connections among the occupants. The twisted layout creates distinct outdoor areas that protect against cold winds, enhancing comfort and usability.

Function and Layout

Unit A and Unit B serve as the living quarters, each designed with carefully considered dimensions. Unit A occupies a space of 78 sqm for both the ground and first floors, while Unit B includes a ground floor of 63 sqm and a first floor of 78 sqm. These spaces cater to various lifestyle needs, facilitating effective use of area. The workshop, independently positioned at the northern edge, covers 45 sqm and incorporates large windows facing north and northeast, allowing ample natural light ideal for creative work. The service building, forming an "L" shape with the main structure, further enhances the layout and incorporates a water tank.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is an important emphasis in the design, addressed through multiple features. Photovoltaic panels are integrated into the roof design, carefully arranged to maintain the building's aesthetic without blocking views. The green roof serves not only for thermal insulation but also offers benefits in sound absorption. It uses a mixture of soil, plants, and air, delivering improved acoustic performance while helping to keep the interior comfortable during both hot summers and cold winters.

Water Management and Biodiversity

The project includes an effective water management strategy, where rainwater is collected from the roof and stored for later use after treatment. This approach reflects a commitment to resource efficiency. Additionally, gaps between buildings have been designed to support local wildlife, providing habitats for bats and birds. This element connects the architecture to the environment, emphasizing ecological awareness. The grassy roof enhances visual links to the landscape, allowing the structure to integrate with nature.

Materiality and Aesthetics

The design features wood and grass as primary materials. Wood is used extensively throughout, providing not only structural integrity but also a warm aesthetic. The grassy roof replaces traditional thatch, aligning modern solutions with historical references. This choice contributes to sustainability goals and strengthens the overall design, making it responsive to environmental considerations.

The continuous grassy expanse on the roof is inviting, encouraging a relationship with the landscape while providing views of the nearby lake. The careful balance within the architecture fosters both privacy and community, allowing occupants to experience their surroundings fully.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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