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Reclaimed Hardwood Retreat with Exposed Beams Overlooking the Latvian Landscape

Authors:
Chirag Desai, Dhruv Gulabchande
Reclaimed Hardwood Retreat with Exposed Beams Overlooking the Latvian Landscape

Project in-detail

Built with reclaimed hardwood and designed with exposed beams, the residence offers expansive views of the Latvian countryside while providing both private and communal spaces for family living and artistic pursuits.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reclaimed hardwood is used throughout, adding character and sustainability.
02
High ceilings with exposed beams offer a connection to traditional Latvian barn architecture.
03
The artist's studio features large glass openings for natural light and views.
04
A rainwater harvesting system is integrated for non-potable water use.
05
Natural ventilation is optimized through strategic window placements for airflow.

The project is located in the Latvian countryside, designed to connect closely to the surrounding natural landscape. It combines private living areas and shared spaces, allowing residents to enjoy both intimacy and collective experiences. The overall concept reflects an emphasis on openness and interaction while maintaining a strong visual connection to nature.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout features private areas on the upper floors, including bedrooms and an artist's studio. This organization ensures moments of solitude without completely separating occupants from communal spaces on the ground floor, which include the living and dining areas. The open-concept design facilitates movement and encourages interaction among residents.

Natural Light and Views

Large openings, such as expansive windows and balconies, play a crucial role in enhancing natural light and providing clear views of the forest and lake. These design choices not only add visual appeal but also strengthen the occupants’ connection to the landscape. The careful placement of these openings allows sunlight to reach deep into the interior, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Gallery Space and Studio

The gallery space features high ceilings and exposed wooden beams, drawing inspiration from traditional Latvian barn architecture. This design detail contributes warmth and character to the area while allowing natural light to highlight the artwork displayed. The artist's studio benefits from large glass windows and doors, encouraging interaction with the environment. This design creates an energizing workspace filled with fresh air and the sounds of nature.

Sustainable Practices

Timber is a primary material used throughout the design, fulfilling various functions from structural elements to furnishings. The floors are crafted from reclaimed hardwood, adding a sense of history to the living spaces. Energy efficiency is integrated through renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines. Additionally, a rainwater harvesting system captures water for non-potable uses.

Natural ventilation is carefully planned to optimize airflow throughout the house, promoting comfort and reducing reliance on mechanical systems. The design illustrates a blend of functional living spaces and creative inspiration, while the interaction of light and shadows enhances the home’s atmosphere.

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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

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