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Serpentine Form Crafted From Engineered Wood With Solar-Powered Efficiency for Nature Retreats

Author:
Tony Leung
Serpentine Form Crafted From Engineered Wood With Solar-Powered Efficiency for Nature Retreats

Project in-detail

A serpentine structure clad in engineered wood and integrated solar panels defines a sustainable retreat designed for immersive engagement with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Serpentine form designed to mimic natural movements, enhancing user experience.
02
Crafted from prefabricated cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency.
03
Incorporates solar panels on south-facing roofs for energy independence.
04
Features charred wooden shingles for durability and weather resistance.
05
Modular units allow for flexible configurations and communal interaction.

## Overview
Located in Latvia, the Zalktis project presents a contemporary modular cabin system designed for trekkers and nature enthusiasts, emphasizing flexibility and sustainability. The initiative aims to create a harmonious relationship between human habitation and the natural landscape, embodying elements of Latvian cultural symbolism associated with wisdom and knowledge.

## Spatial Configuration and User Interaction
The architectural design features an undulating form reminiscent of a serpent, facilitating fluidity and connectivity among users. The modular system allows for varied configurations of individual cabin units, enabling them to serve dual purposes—functioning as isolated retreats or as interconnected spaces for communal living. This flexible spatial organization promotes interaction among occupants through thoughtfully planned sliding doors, fostering a sense of community while preserving individual privacy.

## Material Selection and Sustainable Practices
Constructed primarily from prefabricated wooden panels, the Zalktis cabins utilize engineered wood for its strength and warmth, creating a cohesive connection to the environment. The incorporation of waterproof and insulation layers ensures durability against weather conditions, while strategically placed glass panels enhance natural light and visibility of the surroundings.

A commitment to sustainability is evident in the project’s integration of solar panels on south-facing rooftops, which provide energy for lighting and charging devices. This functional feature not only addresses contemporary energy consumption concerns but also reinforces the project’s environmental stewardship, minimizing its ecological footprint throughout both construction and use.

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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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