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Natural Wood and Solar Harmony in a Meditative Living Space

Authors:
Gabriela Kaprálová, Markéta Šornová
Natural Wood and Solar Harmony in a Meditative Living Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with solid wood and enhanced by photovoltaic systems, the structure offers a serene living environment divided into dedicated spaces for meditation, living, and sleeping, all while seamlessly integrating with the natural landscape of Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from solid wood, enhancing its natural aesthetic.
02
The design includes dedicated areas for living, meditating, and sleeping, promoting mindfulness.
03
Natural ventilation is achieved through a chimney effect, reducing energy consumption.
04
A composting toilet system minimizes water usage and promotes sustainability.
05
Photovoltaic solar panels are integrated for renewable energy production on-site.

The T(h)ree house is located in Latvia, where it blends into the lush landscape while encouraging a simple and meditative lifestyle. The design features three main areas: a living unit, a meditation unit, and a sleeping unit. Each of these parts serves its own purpose while maintaining a connection to the outdoors, reflecting the principles of balance and tranquility often associated with meditation.

Architectural Composition

The layout of the T(h)ree house is defined by three distinct areas that connect with one another. This arrangement allows for a natural flow between daily activities, creating a sense of harmony. The structure takes on shapes that evoke trees, enabling it to fit comfortably within its surroundings. This thoughtful approach enhances the overall experience of living in the house, as its forms are in tune with nature.

Sustainability Features

The house places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Solid wood walls not only connect the structure to the natural environment but also provide essential thermal insulation. The use of wood fiber board for added insulation meets modern energy efficiency standards. Additionally, solar panels harness sunlight, and a heat generator recycles warmth from the fireplace, promoting a reduction in energy use and reliance on outside resources.

Ventilation and Waste Management

Natural ventilation plays an important role in ensuring comfort inside the house. The design incorporates a chimney effect, allowing air to circulate through vertical spaces, which reduces the need for mechanical systems. The waste system also shows innovation; a composting toilet separates solid waste from liquid, minimizing water usage and eliminating the need for traditional drainage.

Light and space within the T(h)ree house are well-considered. Carefully placed openings in the façade let in soft sunlight, creating inviting interiors that change throughout the day. This design detail enhances the connection between the occupants and their natural surroundings, enriching the overall living experience.

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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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