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Green Roofed Retreat Featuring Recycled Ropes for Creative Reflection

Authors:
Arturs Tols, Elīna Lībiete, Ivars Veinbergs
Green Roofed Retreat Featuring Recycled Ropes for Creative Reflection

Project in-detail

Constructed with a combination of timber frame and green roofs, the retreat utilizes recycled ropes for structural expression while providing a tranquil environment for writing and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each hut is oriented to maximize natural light and views of the surrounding nature.
02
The Wind House features an upper-level workspace that provides panoramic views of the landscape.
03
Recycled hemp ropes are used in the exterior design, creating a unique structural element.
04
Earth mounds surrounding the Earth House enhance its integration with the site’s topography.
05
The retreat includes a dedicated meditation platform with a fireplace for communal gatherings.

The poet's retreat in Pāvilosta is a thoughtfully designed space that blends with its natural surroundings. It aims to provide an environment for writing and reflection while embracing the beauty of the coastal landscape. Comprising five distinct huts—Earth House, Wind House, Net House, Cloud House, and Pebble House—each structure has its own character and purpose, contributing to the overall experience of tranquility and inspiration.

Earth House

The Earth House features a low design that allows it to merge with the landscape. With grass-covered mounds surrounding it, the building maintains a connection to nature. This single-storey structure accommodates four people, offering privacy and a peaceful atmosphere. A small garden complements the design, enabling residents to engage with the land and cultivate tranquility.

Wind House

The Wind House rises as a tower, deliberately capturing the prevailing South-West winds of the area. The building's multi-level configuration includes practical spaces on the ground floor and a workspace on the upper level, providing expansive views of the natural setting. The exterior is adorned with recycled hemp ropes, which move with the wind, reflecting the dynamic nature of the environment.

Net House

The Net House resembles a fishing tent, connecting to the local maritime heritage. Its lightweight structure fosters a fluid living space that encourages flexibility. With a double-height living area, the layout promotes interaction among occupants. A net-covered terrace extends the living experience to the outdoors, creating a link between the structure and its landscape.

Cloud House

The Cloud House is designed with roof lights and carefully positioned windows to frame the surrounding views. It accommodates two people and features a semi-transparent courtyard that blurs the boundary between inside and outside. This design invites a continuous interaction with nature, enhancing the serene atmosphere that encourages creativity.

The retreat is complemented by a meditation platform situated at a distance from the main buildings. This area, equipped with a fireplace, serves as a space for quiet reflection and gatherings. The thoughtful integration of structures within the landscape highlights a commitment to sustainable living and a deep appreciation for the natural environment.

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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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