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Light-Channelling Huts with Cement Plaster and Rubblestone in a Coastal Retreat

Authors:
Bo mi Lee, Jung hyeon Choi, Sung duk Yoon, Jeong tae Kim
Light-Channelling Huts with Cement Plaster and Rubblestone in a Coastal Retreat

Project in-detail

With a roof design that channels natural light and a foundation of cement plaster and rubblestone, the retreat offers poets a serene environment to foster creativity amidst the coastal landscape of Pavilosta.
5 key facts about this project
01
Light is channeled into the huts through a unique roof duct that narrows toward the base.
02
Each hut is crafted for privacy while promoting community engagement through shared meditation areas.
03
Construction incorporates locally sourced rubblestone, enhancing connection to the coastal landscape.
04
The design strategically positions huts to utilize the natural backdrop of forest and open fields.
05
Durable materials like cement plaster contribute to the longevity of the structures in a coastal environment.

"My Little Forest" is located in Pavilosta, Latvia, and offers a creative space for poets. Surrounded by trees and an open field, the design aims to create a peaceful environment that encourages artistic expression away from city distractions. The concept centers around a series of individual huts designed for solitude and inspiration.

Site Integration

The layout effectively connects the independent huts with the natural landscape. The forest serves as a backdrop, while the field provides openness. Walking paths lead residents from hut to hut, promoting interaction with nature as well as between the poets themselves. This connection to the landscape supports the reflective nature of poetry.

Privacy and Community

Each hut offers private space for poets, allowing them to focus on their craft. The design finds a balance between solitude and community by including areas for meditation and shared experiences. Poets can withdraw for personal thought but also engage with others, fostering a supportive creative atmosphere.

Material Selection

Materials used in the project include cement plaster for walls, wood paneling, and vented parapet flashing. Rubblestone and plain concrete provide a robust foundation. These materials ensure durability while helping the structures fit into the natural surroundings, addressing the specific challenges of their coastal location.

Light Integration

A standout feature of the huts is their roof design, which channels natural light into the living spaces. The roof widens at the top and narrows toward the base, creating interesting light patterns indoors. This thoughtful approach enhances the atmosphere, making the interiors not just functional, but also inviting for creativity.

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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

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