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Reed Roofing and Natural Pool Within a Traditional Timber Retreat

Author:
Avery Isabella Thorne
Reed Roofing and Natural Pool Within a Traditional Timber Retreat

Project in-detail

With its distinctive reed roofing and eco-friendly bio-pool, the design seamlessly integrates traditional timber construction within Latvia's bog landscape, creating a tranquil space for yoga and wellness retreats.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced reed for roofing to enhance insulation and sustainability.
02
Features a central courtyard that fosters community interaction and mindfulness practices.
03
Incorporates a bio-pool for natural water filtration, blending recreational and ecological functions.
04
Adopts traditional motifs in the entrance design, reflecting Latvian cultural heritage.
05
Utilizes passive solar design principles to maximize natural light and energy efficiency.

### Project Overview

Located in the bog region of Latvia, Atkāpe serves as a yoga retreat designed to foster spiritual exploration and connection with nature. The site is surrounded by dense forests, contributing to a contemplative atmosphere. The architectural framework integrates Latvian cultural symbols and emphasizes sustainable living principles, ensuring that the built environment harmonizes with the surrounding landscape.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Strategy

The design features a central courtyard layout, with interconnected rooms radiating from this core space. This arrangement enhances natural airflow and light distribution while promoting social interaction among users. The structure is topped with an undulating roof inspired by traditional Latvian homes, effectively managing rain and snow and enhancing the building's profile. The interior is configured to include multifunctional spaces, such as yoga studios, meditation rooms, and communal areas, all adaptable to various activities. Central to the design is a bio-pool that supports eco-friendly water management.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The use of local materials is a key aspect of the design, with predominantly wood construction that fosters a connection to the surrounding environment. Reed is employed for insulation in the roofing, reflecting traditional techniques while promoting sustainability. Extensive glass installations allow for unobstructed views of the natural habitat and maximize natural light within the interiors. The facade combines wooden cladding and reed roofing, creating an aesthetic that aligns with traditional Latvian architecture. Energy-efficient features, such as solar panels and rainwater collection systems, reinforce the project's commitment to environmental stewardship.

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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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