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Plumage-Inspired Roofs and Natural Brown Accents in a Nature Reserve Retreat

Author:
Thara Messeroux
Plumage-Inspired Roofs and Natural Brown Accents in a Nature Reserve Retreat

Project in-detail

Inspired by bird plumage, the design incorporates a grand entrance gate and meandering walking paths that enhance the experience of biodiversity in a nature reserve while providing spaces for recreation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the courtship rituals of birds, enhancing visitor engagement.
02
Features a unique entrance gate that mirrors avian mating behaviors.
03
Includes a Kid's Nest specifically designed for children to play and socialize.
04
Meandering walkways promote exploration through diverse ecosystems.
05
Employs light materials to align with themes of sustainability and nature.

The Courtship Act project is located in Latvia's nature reserve, known for housing a variety of ecosystems and seasonal migrations of numerous bird species. The design draws inspiration from the mating rituals of birds, emphasizing a connection with nature and the surrounding environment. It aims to enhance the visitor experience while promoting sustainability and an appreciation for the local ecosystem.

Site Design

A prominent feature of the project is the grand gate at the entrance, serving as a key point that welcomes visitors into the area. This gate reflects the natural behaviors observed in birds during courtship, creating an inviting atmosphere for exploration.

Meandering walking paths wind through the landscape, allowing visitors to engage with different environments, from open water streams to thick forests. This design encourages a leisurely pace, inviting individuals to discover the nuances of the site as they move through these varied settings.

Recreational Spaces

The design includes various recreational areas, such as personal camping cabins and gathering spots that encourage social interaction. One unique aspect is the Kid's Nest, a child-sized structure crafted specifically for play and imagination, making the site accessible and enjoyable for families with children.

Architectural Expression

Biomimicry is central to the architectural expression, especially in the roof designs, which are inspired by bird plumage. These roofs allow natural light to filter into the interior spaces, fostering a calm environment. The focus on lightness and sustainability is evident in the use of very light materials, though specific materials are not detailed in the available information.

Organic forms and natural elements blend throughout the design, enhancing the relationship between the built environment and nature, inviting visitors to connect more deeply with their surroundings. The thoughtful arrangement encourages an appreciation for the landscape while fostering a sense of wonder about the local wildlife.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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