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Integrating Nature Through Straw Roofing and Timber Voids for Artistic Retreat

Authors:
Minh Nguyen, Elissa Samaha, Aya Bahr, Sara Perez
Integrating Nature Through Straw Roofing and Timber Voids for Artistic Retreat
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Incorporating voids for existing trees and utilizing straw roofing, the design creates an engaging retreat for artists that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates existing trees as integral design elements within the structure.
02
Utilizes straw roofing to reflect traditional Latvian building practices.
03
Features continuous outdoor terraces that enhance engagement with the landscape.
04
Divides spaces into private, semi-private, and public areas for diverse functions.
05
Emphasizes fragmentation in the architecture to promote varied spatial experiences.

The design is located near Cernostes Lake in South East Latvia, serving as a retreat for artists. The idea behind the project is to connect the built environment with the natural landscape. The aim is to create spaces that support creativity and reflection. This architecture invites residents to engage deeply with their surroundings, positioning the buildings as part of the landscape rather than separate from it.

Design Concept and Spatial Organization

The project features a layout that emphasizes a strong relationship with nature. Outdoor terraces and thoughtfully placed voids within the buildings allow existing trees to grow through the structures. This design approach blends architecture and landscape, creating a fluid transition rather than clear boundaries. The fragmentation of space enhances the experience of movement, offering artists different settings for both concentration and inspiration.

Functional Areas

Spaces are divided into private, semi-private, and public zones, catering to families and individual artists. Private areas serve as quiet retreats for parents and children, ensuring comfort and privacy. Semi-private workshops accommodate two artists at a time, encouraging collaboration. Public gathering spots are designed to foster community interaction, allowing residents to share experiences and connect with one another.

Materiality and Aesthetic Integration

The project draws inspiration from traditional Latvian architecture. Timber reflects local building techniques, while concrete adds a raw and natural texture to the design. The use of straw for roofing connects to regional practices, reinforcing the building's ties to its cultural background. To enhance interaction with the environment, large glass facades are utilized, allowing ample natural light and uninterrupted views of the landscape.

The arrangement of these elements creates a thoughtful narrative where nature and built form work together. The spaces invite creativity and contemplation, supporting the artistic pursuits of those who dwell within.

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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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