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Living Roof Lodge with Timber Canopy and Biomass Heating

Authors:
Chris Green, Elina Kivilande
Living Roof Lodge with Timber Canopy and Biomass Heating

Project in-detail

Constructed with a living roof and elevated timber canopy, the lodge utilizes biomass heating to create a sustainable retreat that encourages communal living and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a living roof to enhance insulation and biodiversity.
02
Features an elevated timber canopy for natural ventilation and aesthetics.
03
Incorporates biomass heating systems for reduced carbon footprint.
04
Utilizes greywater recycling to support sustainable water management.
05
Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape.

Maaja - Lodge is situated in a landscape filled with meadows, forests, and water. The lodge aims to enhance the connection between visitors and nature while promoting communal living and wellness. The design brings together indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an experience that prioritizes sustainability and healthy living.

Concept and Functionality

At the heart of Maaja - Lodge is the idea of fostering social interaction and relaxation. The Ozolini Tea Trail is an important feature of the project. It includes various spaces such as a trail hub, communal lounge, kitchen and dining areas, yoga rooms, tea workshops, accommodation, and storage. Each space is designed to cater to both individual needs and community activities, providing visitors with a rich experience.

Sustainability Features

The lodge emphasizes sustainability by incorporating energy-efficient systems. The living roof provides insulation while supporting local wildlife. Canopy overhangs help reduce the heat from the sun, and triple-glazed windows enhance energy efficiency throughout the building. Additional energy systems like biomass stoves, photovoltaic panels, and air source pumps further decrease reliance on non-renewable energy sources, contributing to environmentally responsible practices.

Structural Elements and Site Design

Accommodation options are designed for comfort and practicality. Relaxation areas are arranged to allow guests to unwind after exploring the outdoors. The communal kitchen and dining areas promote shared meals, encouraging social connections. Structural features such as stoves with seating foster interaction. Sunken areas provide natural cooling, and elevated parts of the lodge utilize local timber for building materials.

The site design strengthens the lodge's relationship with its environment through platforms above water levels, offering guests pleasant views. Mirrors integrated into the design reflect surrounding vegetation, expanding the visual space and reinforcing the connection between the lodge and nature.

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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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