Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Rooftop Caves and Thatch Roofing in a Bat-Friendly Family Home

Author:
Angelika Olejarka
Rooftop Caves and Thatch Roofing in a Bat-Friendly Family Home

Project in-detail

Rooftop caves create a unique habitat for bats while thatch roofing integrates traditional craftsmanship in a family home designed for sustainability and community living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooftop caves provide a habitat for local bat species.
02
Thatch roofing offers natural insulation and weather resistance.
03
The design incorporates recycled materials for sustainability.
04
An adaptable artist workshop expands with sliding shutters.
05
The layout emphasizes communal spaces alongside private areas.

The Thatch House is an architectural project located in Cernostes Lake, Latvia. It integrates with the landscape while referencing local building traditions. The design focuses on sustainability through the reuse of materials and a deep respect for nature. This residence serves as both a comfortable living space and a creative environment for its residents.

Design Concept

The core concept of The Thatch House is about blending with the natural surroundings and honoring traditional architecture. The project uses reclaimed materials, particularly wood and thatch, to maintain a connection to the historical context of the area. The inclusion of a bat-friendly design, featuring caves on the rooftop, highlights a commitment to preserving local wildlife.

Spatial Organization

The layout consists of two levels that cater to both social and private needs. On the ground floor, spaces such as the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and dining area create an open and warm environment for daily activities. The first floor accommodates bedrooms and storage, offering convenience and comfort while keeping public and private areas distinct.

Flexible Workshop Space

A key feature of the design is the artist workshop that showcases adaptability. It has sliding shutters that can open up the area for various uses, allowing flexibility for creative projects or gatherings. This design choice reflects the goal of supporting both individual expression and community interaction.

Materials and Performance

In terms of materials, The Thatch House employs elements that enhance sustainability and energy efficiency. The thatched roof provides good insulation and helps keep the interior comfortable throughout the seasons. Timber studs and thermal insulation work together to improve overall performance. Additionally, triple glazing protects the house from the weather, contributing to energy savings.

The thatched roofing, with its natural form, reinforces the connection to the site while providing practical benefits.

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
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