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Holistic Retreat Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Integrated Natural Landscapes

Authors:
Teik Rong Khoo, Katie Chun Yan Tan
Holistic Retreat Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Integrated Natural Landscapes

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels define a sustainable retreat that harmonizes with Kureme's landscape, fostering wellness through its thoughtful design and integration of natural elements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a unique texture and aesthetic.
02
The use of cross-laminated timber panels allows for rapid construction and reduced environmental impact.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and improves structural stability.
04
Native vegetation is integrated into the landscaping to support local biodiversity.
05
An on-site vegetable garden promotes self-sustainability and farm-to-table dining experiences.

### Project Overview
Located in the natural landscape of Kureme, Western Latvia, the Village Spa is designed to integrate with its surroundings while promoting sustainability and wellness. The architectural intent is to create a holistic retreat that features various facilities set against the backdrop of the region's natural beauty.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout comprises distinct program areas, including a spa, dining hall, and guest accommodations, thoughtfully arranged to preserve existing trees and landforms. The spa focuses on holistic wellness, utilizing ample glazing to enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity and to provide an immersive experience within the landscape. The dining hall is designed with an open-plan concept, strategically positioned to offer views of a nearby pond and foster a cohesive dining atmosphere. Guest quarters prioritize comfort, featuring both private and communal spaces that encourage interaction among visitors.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
A commitment to sustainability informs the choice of materials used throughout the project. Wood is primarily employed for its aesthetic warmth and structural versatility, while glass facades facilitate natural light and a connection to the exterior environment. Metal is utilized in roofing for durability, and stone elements are incorporated into pathways and landscape features to reinforce the relationship with the surrounding nature. Additionally, onsite facilities, such as a vegetable garden and farm barn, enhance self-sufficiency and support educational initiatives regarding sustainable practices, fostering an understanding of the local ecosystem.

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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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