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Resilient Spaces of Timber Inspired by Natural Growth

Authors:
Maja Chojnacka, Regina Andrzejewska
Resilient Spaces of Timber Inspired by Natural Growth

Project in-detail

Drawing inspiration from the natural growth patterns of the Burl, the design incorporates local timber to create a series of spacious leisure houses that blend seamlessly with the Latvian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built using locally sourced wood to maintain cultural relevance.
02
Incorporates a design inspired by the natural Burl growth form.
03
Features a bent A-frame structure to enhance spatial interaction.
04
Maximizes panoramic views of the surrounding Latvian landscape.
05
Prioritizes ecological integration with minimal disruption to the site.

The Beauty of the Burl is situated in Latvia, exploring the connection between modern design and traditional elements. It consists of a complex of leisure houses that draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape. The aim is to create a dialogue between the built forms and nature while reflecting local architectural traditions.

Conceptual Foundation
The concept arises from an analysis of the landscape, which reveals wide-open spaces and the influence of wind. These observations inspired the design team to develop shapes informed by the Burl, a unique growth found on trees. The Burl symbolizes natural resilience and growth, guiding the design towards an organic form that complements its setting.

Materiality
Wood is a primary material used in the construction, connecting the houses to Latvia’s history of timber building. This choice is significant, as wood has been a vital material in the region for centuries. The use of wood enhances the visual quality of the design and fosters a tactile relationship between the structures and their environment, creating a sense of warmth.

Spatial Arrangement
The layout of the leisure houses is designed to promote a sense of openness. Spaces are arranged to make the most of the views of the landscape, encouraging a connection with the outdoors. The positioning of the buildings takes into account the natural topography, ensuring that they harmonize with the ecological features of the site.

Attention to detail is evident in the timber finishes, where the textures and grains of the wood enhance the overall experience of the spaces. This design choice emphasizes a natural and inviting atmosphere, providing comfort and tranquility for those who inhabit it.

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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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