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Harnessing Natural Light with a Trombe-Wall and Pumice for Sustainable Guest Accommodations

Authors:
Gabriella Laszlo, Norbert Panovits, Zsofia Juhasz-szigeti, Orsolya Mehes
Harnessing Natural Light with a Trombe-Wall and Pumice for Sustainable Guest Accommodations

Project in-detail

Incorporating a Trombe-wall and pumice stone infill, the guest house balances energy efficiency and comfort while offering an immersive experience in tea-making amidst Latvia's tranquil forests.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a Trombe-wall system for passive heating.
02
Constructed with pumice stone for improved thermal efficiency.
03
Includes a communal terrace to enhance guest interaction.
04
Rainwater collection system supports sustainable water use.
05
Designed specifically for tea-making education and experience.

Ozolini Farm is set in the peaceful forests of Latvia, a place where nature and relaxation are prioritized. The design centers around creating a guest house that allows visitors to unwind while also learning about the tea-making process. The goal is to create a space that complements the natural beauty of the surroundings and caters to various needs of guests.

Spatial Organization
The layout consists of two main areas: a teahouse for tea production and a guest house for accommodation. This clear division of spaces allows for distinct functions while encouraging interaction through a communal terrace that links both sections. The terrace is designed to foster social connections among guests, enhancing their experience in this tranquil setting.

Sustainable Practices
Sustainability plays a key role in the design. The guest house utilizes Trombe-wall technology to capture solar energy and provide heating without relying heavily on conventional systems. This approach promotes energy efficiency and ensures a comfortable indoor environment without excessive energy use.

Material Selection
The guest house employs a lightweight wooden frame, selected for its flexibility and thermal performance. Pumice stone is used for infill because it effectively stores heat, contributing to the energy efficiency of the building. These materials were chosen to work harmoniously with the local environment and to support ecological principles.

Water Management
Efficient water management is a significant aspect of the project. A rainwater collection system captures and filters rainwater for use in bathrooms and other areas. Gray water is treated and reused, while organic waste is composted, creating a system that reduces environmental impact. This focus on resource management shows a commitment to sustainability.

Large glass panels are incorporated into the design, allowing natural light to fill the interior spaces. This feature enhances the connection between living areas and the outside forest, inviting nature into the daily life of those who visit.

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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
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