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Reclaimed Wood Retreats with Intimate Pathways and Natural Shades

Author:
Michalina Siennicka
Reclaimed Wood Retreats with Intimate Pathways and Natural Shades

Project in-detail

Reclaimed wood forms the basis of a serene retreat that intertwines intimate pathways with communal spaces, designed specifically to inspire poets and creatives in a natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reclaimed wood is used for both the facades and interior finishing, enhancing sustainability.
02
Each poet's hut is designed in twin and single configurations to accommodate diverse needs.
03
A defined pathway connects the communal areas with private spaces, promoting exploration.
04
The arrangement emphasizes intimacy, placing quiet zones away from public areas.
05
Meditation points are integrated within the landscape to facilitate reflection and inspiration.

The LYNX pāvilosta poet huts project is located in the peaceful landscape of pāvilosta, Latvia, designed to serve as a retreat for poets and creatives who seek inspiration and reflection. The layout integrates various functional spaces, combining areas for social interaction with private huts to encourage individual creativity. The overall design draws inspiration from the themes of the LYNX constellation, which helps to shape the spaces and enhances the experience of users.

Conceptual Framework
The design of the project is built around the idea of the LYNX constellation, creating a setting that supports both community interaction and personal contemplation. A well-defined path connects the host's house to a meditation point, establishing a journey focused on enlightenment. This layout not only facilitates movement but also allows users to alternate between communal activities and solitary moments, fostering a rich environment for creativity.

Spatial Organization
The arrangement of spaces prioritizes a balance between public areas and private retreats. Communal areas, such as the common room and sauna, are centrally located and intended for group gatherings. In contrast, the poet's huts, available in twin and single configurations, are positioned to offer privacy and quiet. This thoughtful layout enables people to retreat into their own spaces for focused work, while still being a part of the larger creative community.

Material Selection
The materials selected for the project reflect a commitment to sustainability and context. Reclaimed wood is used for the facades and interior finishes, highlighting environmental awareness. The structural system employs local wood, which connects the huts to the local landscape, while concrete provides foundational support. These choices enhance the project's overall integrity while remaining respectful of the surrounding nature.

Distinctive Features
The design includes elements that enhance the user experience, such as an open-air terrace and a meditation area. These features promote connection with the environment and create spaces for quiet contemplation. The architectural choices, considering everything from spatial layout to material use, provide an environment that invites both collaboration and personal reflection. The project embodies the intention of being a supportive and inspiring place for creative expression.

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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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