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Reflective Façade and Scots Pine Serenity in a Tranquil Retreat

Author:
Birkan Aras
Reflective Façade and Scots Pine Serenity in a Tranquil Retreat

Project in-detail

The reflective façade and strategic use of Scots Pine wood create a serene retreat designed for meditation and self-reflection within the Latvian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective façade enhances interaction with the natural environment.
02
Adjustable openings optimize ventilation and user comfort.
03
Scots Pine construction connects the design to local resources.
04
Rainwater collection system supports eco-friendly practices.
05
High-level air openings maintain air quality throughout the cabin.

The design focuses on creating a space for meditation and self-reflection, located in the Latvian landscape. It serves multiple purposes, including relaxation, toilet facilities, food preparation, meditation, work, and transportation. The concept aims to blend the structure with its surroundings, fostering a calm atmosphere while providing controllable isolation from the elements outside.

Façade and Environmental Integration

A key feature is the porous and reflective façade, which helps the building engage with the natural world. The design allows those inside to feel connected to the outdoors. Adjustable openings in the façade respond to changing weather, providing natural ventilation and enhancing the users' interaction with the environment.

Sustainability Systems

The project includes systems that promote sustainability and efficient use of resources. Solar panels placed on the roof provide electricity for the cabin's essential functions. Additionally, a rainwater collection system supports non-potable uses, such as watering plants and cleaning. These measures reflect a commitment to aligning the building with ecological principles.

Material Selection

Scots Pine wood has been chosen as the main material for structure and flooring. This decision is practical and reinforces the connection to the local area. Using this material not only supports sustainability but also adds warmth and authenticity to the space.

The design incorporates high-level openings that ensure good airflow in living and working areas. This attention to air quality, combined with thoughtfully placed natural elements, creates a peaceful environment that encourages reflection and personal growth.

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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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