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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
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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.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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