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Rammed Earth Retreats Surrounded by Native Flora in Coastal Latvia

Authors:
Sam Parsons, Caroline Moore, Akash Mehta, Annie Bellamy
Rammed Earth Retreats Surrounded by Native Flora in Coastal Latvia

Project in-detail

Constructed from rammed earth and local timber, the serene poet huts harmonize with the natural landscape of Latvia, creating an inspiring retreat for writers to embrace solitude and creativity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using rammed earth techniques for enhanced thermal insulation and sustainability.
02
Local oak timber is featured prominently, reflecting the region's natural resources and craftsmanship.
03
The design incorporates rewilding principles to restore and enhance the native flora surrounding the huts.
04
Large, strategically placed windows provide panoramic views while minimizing energy consumption.
05
Each hut is designed for dual occupancy, fostering creativity through both individual and shared spaces.
The Pavilosta Poet Huts project represents a thoughtful intervention in the landscape of Pavilosta, Latvia, designed to serve as retreats for writers and poets. This architectural initiative is rooted in the desire to create spaces that foster creativity while establishing a strong connection to nature. The huts are envisioned not just as places to live and work but as integral components of the landscape that encourage artistic expression and personal reflection.

Functionally, the project accommodates both communal and individual needs. It includes a host house that serves as a gathering space for the residents, allowing them to share ideas and experiences, alongside individual huts designed for solitude and focus. Each hut is strategically placed to offer privacy while providing access to beautiful views of the surrounding meadows and coastline, thereby enhancing the experience of living and working closely with nature.

The architectural design of the Pavilosta Poet Huts emphasizes sustainability through a careful selection of materials and building techniques. By utilizing rammed earth as the primary structural component, the project benefits from excellent thermal mass properties, which contribute to a comfortable living environment with minimal reliance on energy-consuming systems. The incorporation of local timber, particularly oak, aligns the design with its geographical context, adding warmth and character while fostering a sense of continuity with the landscape. Large windows enhance the interiors' connection to the outdoors, allowing natural light to permeate the spaces and showcasing the changing light conditions throughout the day.

One of the unique design approaches within this project is the emphasis on rewilding as a central theme. The architects have taken steps to restore parts of the surrounding landscape to their natural state by encouraging the growth of native flora. This action not only enhances biodiversity but also creates a richer habitat for local wildlife, encouraging residents to engage with their environment more fully. The integration of outdoor spaces within the architectural layout—such as terraces and garden areas—further supports this connection to nature, offering opportunities for reflective outdoor experiences.

The interior organization of each hut is designed with practicality in mind, featuring spaces dedicated to both living and creative work. The layout prioritizes comfort and functionality, ensuring that each writer has the essential amenities needed for both daily living and artistic practice. The combination of private sleeping areas and shared communal spaces fosters a balance between solitude and social interaction, providing inhabitants with the flexibility to choose how they wish to engage with both their work and their peers.

The project not only addresses the immediate needs of its users but also opens a dialogue about the relationship between architecture and nature, urging occupants to consider their own impact on the environment. By prioritizing sustainable practices and encouraging artistic exploration within a natural setting, the Pavilosta Poet Huts serve as a model for combining ecological awareness with functional design.

For those interested in exploring this project further, detailed architectural plans, sections, and specific design ideas are available, providing deeper insights into the innovative approaches taken in the Pavilosta Poet Huts. The exploration of these elements reveals not only the beauty of the design but also the underlying principles that drive its conception and implementation.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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