Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Reflective Surfaces and Natural Warmth in Family-Centered Living Spaces

Authors:
Stavroula Chandrinou, Sebastian Fejes-sava, Mathilde Zita
Reflective Surfaces and Natural Warmth in Family-Centered Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing reflective surfaces and natural materials, the design creates a harmonious blend of family-centric living spaces that connect residents with the surrounding forest environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective surfaces enhance natural light and views of the lake.
02
Wooden materials are reused for furniture, integrating history into design.
03
The layout includes distinct wings for family units, promoting privacy.
04
A central paint studio serves as a communal space for creativity.
05
High glass openings blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.

The design is located near Lake Cernostes, surrounded by a beautiful Latvian landscape that encourages sustainability and community living. Titled "A Modern Fairytale," the concept aims to connect residents with the forest environment while reflecting Latvia's rich cultural heritage. This design blends modern elements with traditional aspects, resulting in living spaces that address the needs and dynamics of family life through a thoughtfully organized layout.

Cultural Context and Sensitivity

The architecture draws on the significance of Latvian traditions, particularly the local sauna culture and historical building styles. These cultural elements shape the approach to the design, where every space is conceived with awareness of local customs. The layout encourages interaction among residents while respecting individual privacy, recognizing the importance of family dynamics in creating a meaningful living environment.

Spatial Configuration

The main structure is arranged into separate wings, each dedicated to individual family units. This configuration enhances community living while allowing for personal retreats. Central common areas, such as a paint studio and terrace, provide shared spaces that promote collaboration and connection among residents. The design of these spaces creates a balanced lifestyle, supporting both social interaction and solitude when needed.

Natural Light and Views

The design emphasizes the use of natural light through high glass openings that illuminate interior spaces and provide views of the nearby lake. This focus on light improves the overall living experience while encouraging energy efficiency. The building's orientation allows residents to remain in touch with the outdoor environment, effectively integrating indoor and outdoor spaces and enhancing the connection to nature.

Interior Layout and Aesthetics

Interiors are designed with a focus on simplicity and warmth, using neutral colors to create a calming atmosphere. The master bedroom functions as a peaceful retreat, designed for relaxation and quiet. Children's spaces prioritize comfort and creativity, offering areas that foster imaginative play. These thoughtful design details come together to create a home that values both practicality and visual appeal, presenting a modern take on traditional Latvian living.

The project highlights a commitment to thoughtful design that respects the environment and the community, creating a living space that honors local heritage while embracing contemporary architectural practices.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy