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Stacked Wood Structures Integrated Within Aknīste’s Forest Landscape

Authors:
Bennet Harvey, Madison Leonard
Stacked Wood Structures Integrated Within Aknīste’s Forest Landscape

Project in-detail

Stacked wood constructions harmoniously blend with the forest landscape of Aknīste, providing a community-focused venue that promotes interaction and engagement during a contemporary music festival.
5 key facts about this project
01
Stacked wood construction supports multiple vendor units and a dining area.
02
The design minimizes disruption to existing trees, demonstrating ecological sensitivity.
03
Repurposed timber from removed trees is integrated into the venue's structure.
04
The layout facilitates efficient circulation to enhance visitor experience.
05
Extensive openings create a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

"TRAUK" is located in the Aknīste district of Latvia and serves as a venue for a contemporary music festival. The design focuses on enhancing community interaction while creating an engaging space within a forested area. The concept aims to blend the experience of nature with cultural activities, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in both music and the surrounding landscape.

Building Methods and Structure

The design uses two main construction methods: stacked wood construction and simple framing. These methods are selected for their structural benefits and aesthetic cohesion with the forest environment. The stacked wood creates a framework for several key components, such as three vendor units, a storage space, a partially covered dining area, and an outdoor courtyard.

Connection with the Environment

Careful attention is given to the placement of structures to minimize the impact on existing trees. This choice reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility. Trees that need to be removed will be repurposed within the construction, ensuring an ongoing relationship between the built environment and the forest ecosystem.

Circulation and Interaction

The layout is designed to facilitate easy movement among festival attendees. Thoughtful design of openings and windows enhances the connection to the natural surroundings. This approach encourages interactions and draws people into the space, making it inviting and accessible.

As night falls, the structures will softly illuminate the area, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration and participation while remaining grounded in the natural setting.

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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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