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Heat Pump-Optimized Home with Full-Length Glazing and Timber Frame Construction

Authors:
Ģirts Kalinkevičs, Dimitrijs Meļņikovs, Natālija Savranska, Anete Egle
Heat Pump-Optimized Home with Full-Length Glazing and Timber Frame Construction
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Constructed with a timber frame and enhanced by full-length glazing, the home harnesses solar energy and incorporates a heat pump system to efficiently serve the needs of a single family.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular construction allows for flexibility in design and future expansion.
02
Full-length glazing maximizes natural light and connects interior spaces to the landscape.
03
The heat pump system significantly reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling.
04
Rainwater harvesting provides a sustainable water supply for household use.
05
The insulated timber frame enhances thermal performance in a temperate climate.

The project features a modular home tailored for a single family in a temperate seasonal climate. It covers a total of 135 square meters and comprises four modular units arranged to create distinct areas for communal and private use. The design focuses on efficiency, functionality, and sustainability, ensuring a comfortable living space that addresses contemporary residential requirements.

Sustainability Features

At the heart of the design is a commitment to sustainability, highlighted by the inclusion of solar photovoltaic panels. These panels provide a renewable source of energy that reduces both environmental impact and operational costs over their long lifespan. They enable the potential for a self-sufficient energy system within the home.



Spatial Arrangement

The home’s layout is thoughtfully organized to balance shared and private spaces. Two of the modular units serve as common areas, featuring an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living room, which encourage interaction among family members. The other two units are designated for private use, with bedrooms and a bathroom that ensure individual privacy.



Ventilation and Heating Systems

A heat recovery ventilation system is integrated into the design to enhance indoor air quality. This system supplies filtered, fresh air to each room. Additionally, a heat pump with an exchanger effectively manages both heating and cooling needs. During warmer months, the system works to cool the air and control humidity. In colder seasons, it can meet a significant portion of the home’s heating demand, using electricity supplied from the solar panels.



Materials and Aesthetic

The structure is built using an insulated timber frame, which aids in energy efficiency. The exterior is clad with wooden panels that add warmth and contrast to the modern design. This material choice not only enhances the look of the building but also supports sustainability by utilizing renewable resources.

The design is further accentuated by full-length glazing, which connects the indoors to the landscape outside. This feature floods the interior with natural light, enriching the overall living experience while fostering a connection to nature.

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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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