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Reflective Water Pool Under Copper Panel Canopy in Natural Biosphere Reserve

Authors:
Lennon Robichaud, John Chamberlain
Reflective Water Pool Under Copper Panel Canopy in Natural Biosphere Reserve

Project in-detail

A reflective water pool lies beneath a copper panel canopy, seamlessly merging with three earth-emerging pillars to serve as a functional rainwater collection tower within the North Latvian Biosphere Reserve.
5 key facts about this project
01
A reflective pool captures rainwater for agricultural use.
02
Pillars emerge directly from the earth, symbolizing connection to the land.
03
Copper panel screen adds texture and visual interest to the structure.
04
Landings and apertures provide panoramic views of the surrounding biosphere.
05
The design incorporates a dual-purpose cistern beneath the floor.

Earth Supper is located in the North Latvian Biosphere Reserve. The project aims to create a connection between the natural surroundings and the architectural form. Featuring three pillars that rise from a cut in the earth, the design symbolizes a transition from the landscape to the structure itself. Visitors experience a journey into the tower's sub-level, moving from earthy elements to a more industrial, metallic environment. As they ascend, the setting and structure invite a sense of awareness of the beautiful natural context.

Architectural Expression

The design incorporates landings and punched openings that provide clear views of the horizon and the expansive biosphere. These carefully placed apertures allow those inside to connect with the landscape outside. This approach fosters an immersive experience, highlighting how design can encourage interaction with nature while framing and enhancing the enjoyment of the surroundings.

Sustainable Features

Sustainability plays a key role in Earth Supper. The tower serves as a rainwater collection unit for the Kurgi Farm, offering easy access to stored rainwater for agricultural use. The overflow from the rainwater storage becomes a reflective pool, which sits under a grate floor, creating an attractive visual and contributing to the project's sustainable focus. This dual function merges practicality with an inviting atmosphere.

Material Palette

Material choices in this project are intentional and focused. The design features an insulated metal panel roof, which includes a channel gutter system. A copper panel screen adds a visual link to nature, while a polished concrete floor slab provides stability. An unconditioned concrete panel system visually connects with rammed earth walls. The structural support is formed by steel tube framing, spaced at regular intervals, paired with a steel grate floor that integrates into the overall design.

At the top of the tower, the form becomes denser, resembling a tree. This not only reaches toward the sky but also reinforces the relationship between architecture and nature. The design invites quiet reflection and connection to the environment, encouraging occupants to engage with both the structure and its landscape.

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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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