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Integrating Natural Wood and Brick Walls Within a Coastal Landscape

Author:
Katja Teinilä
Integrating Natural Wood and Brick Walls Within a Coastal Landscape
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Set against a rugged coastal backdrop, Villa Solstice harmonizes natural wood and brick to create a well-oriented residence that maximizes daylight and connects intimately with its surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inner courtyard enhances privacy and connection to nature.
02
Bay windows create inviting reading nooks in living spaces.
03
Skylights provide natural light to interior areas without windows.
04
L-shaped layout optimizes views of the sea and surrounding forest.
05
Natural wood cladding integrates seamlessly with coastal environment.

Villa Solstice is a residential structure located in Naantali, Finland. It sits within an area known for its rugged terrain and coastal features. The design focuses on blending with the natural landscape while enhancing the living experience. A central idea is to maximize the use of daylight, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for its occupants.

Architecture Concept

The design features an L-shaped structure that helps create a close connection between the inside and outside spaces. This configuration produces a sheltered courtyard that opens to the surrounding vegetation, providing a sense of peace. A terrace faces the sea, allowing for sweeping views and encouraging interaction with the natural surroundings.

Natural Light Utilization

Maximizing natural light is a key element of the design. The positioning of windows is deliberate, ensuring that sunlight reaches various parts of the home throughout the day. Living areas are positioned to capture sunlight from different directions. The east-facing bedroom benefits from soft morning light, providing a gentle way to start each day.

Window Design and Materiality

The windows in Villa Solstice serve important roles in the overall design. They are sized and placed to meet the needs of each room. Large windows in common areas help blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. In bedrooms and the home office, bay windows create comfortable spots for reading or working. The use of natural wood for the exterior cladding helps the house connect with its surroundings while also providing shade and privacy.

Interior Atmosphere and Details

Inside, the use of brick walls adds warmth, and wooden flooring contributes to a welcoming feel. A white-painted ceiling allows light to bounce around, brightening the entire space. Careful attention to detail enhances the livability of the home, ensuring that the design is both functional and appealing.

A canopy over the terrace helps to provide shade, making it a pleasant place to relax. This thoughtful design detail invites residents to enjoy the outdoors while keeping comfort in mind.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
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MICROHOME
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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