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Mass Stone Walls and Wood Wrap Create A Harmonious Artist Retreat

Authors:
Brandon Haarer, Austin Pelfrey
Mass Stone Walls and Wood Wrap Create A Harmonious Artist Retreat

Project in-detail

Mass stone walls paired with a wood wrap converge to form a temporary residence for artists, integrating modern living with the traditional landscape of Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mass stone walls provide passive heating, enhancing comfort during the winter months.
02
A wood wrap drapes over the roofline, reducing the visual mass of the structure.
03
Expressive dormers create framed views of Cernostes Lake, connecting occupants with nature.
04
The breezeway between the studio and barn fosters community interactions among residents.
05
Large windows in the artist studio invite light while maintaining privacy and minimizing heat loss.

The Artist Village project is located in Latvia and focuses on integrating contemporary design with the region’s historical context. The project retains the foundational footprint of the site, allowing for new construction to blend with the traditional Latvian homes nearby. It functions as a temporary residence for artists, offering spaces that encourage both individual creativity and community interaction.

Design Concept

The layout carefully organizes private and communal spaces. A central double-height living room serves as an important area that separates the residence into two lofted volumes. This configuration enhances functionality while inviting connection to the outdoor environment. The design fosters a sense of community among users, making it a welcoming space for collaboration.

Materiality

Mass stone walls are a key feature, providing stability and passive heating during the cold Latvian winters. These walls create a feeling of safety and permanence, which is vital for temporary residences. The building's exterior includes a wood wrap that flows elegantly over the roofline, softening the visual impact of the heavy stone. This approach helps tie together the overall design.

Architectural Features

The gable roof is a significant element, reinstating a familiar form that respects local traditions. This roof shape allows the interior to feel spacious and open. Dormers are incorporated to frame views of Cernostes Lake, effectively connecting the buildings to the natural landscape. Additionally, a breezeway links the studio and barn, creating a sheltered outdoor area that encourages interactions among residents.

Design Detailing

Views from the residence are carefully minimized to reduce heat loss in winter while maintaining privacy. The artist studio includes large windows that extend the interior outlook toward the surrounding countryside. Skylights provide gentle, indirect light, enhancing the atmosphere without overwhelming the spaces. This design element encourages a natural connection to the outdoors, creating an environment that supports both reflection and 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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