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Rammed Earth Structure with Inverted Roofs Nestled in Baltic Forest

Author:
Elías Rizo Oroz
Rammed Earth Structure with Inverted Roofs Nestled in Baltic Forest

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and an inverted roof design create a resilient shelter that harmonizes with the Baltic landscape, serving as a refuge for contemplation and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide superior thermal insulation and environmental harmony.
02
The inverted roof design facilitates efficient drainage of rain and snow.
03
Flexible floor plan accommodates various uses and user needs.
04
Local materials minimize transportation impact and enhance sustainability.
05
Strategic window placements offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

### Project Overview

The "Bunker" project is located in Latvia, drawing inspiration from the historical experiences of soldiers during wartime. The intent is to create a space that functions as both a protective shelter and a connector to the natural landscape. By reinterpreting the concept of a bunker, the design aims to foster a unique relationship between memory, materiality, and current architectural practices.

### Spatial Configuration and Flexibility

The design features a series of niches, accommodating various activities such as rest, introspection, and nature interaction. Multiple floor plan options enhance adaptability while maintaining functionality, with 6-meter high ceilings that allow natural light to penetrate the interior. The innovative roof structure employs an inverted double fall-down design, optimizing rainwater and snow drainage in consideration of local climate conditions.

### Material Choices and Sustainability

Utilizing locally sourced clay, the primary construction material is rammed earth, characterized by 0.5-meter thick walls that provide effective thermal regulation. The addition of wooden elements introduces warmth to the interior environment. The sustainable approach not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation but also creates a cohesive relationship between the built environment and its natural context. The project merges traditional construction methods with contemporary design philosophies, exemplifying flexibility in its spatial organization.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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