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Thatch Roof and Zinc Cladding Harmonize in a Sustainable Baltic Retreat

Authors:
Radek Jakes, Inga Brückner, KONTEXT ARCHITEKTEN
Thatch Roof and Zinc Cladding Harmonize in a Sustainable Baltic Retreat

Project in-detail

With a thatched roof and zinc cladding tailored for sustainability, the design creates a serene environment for yoga practice amid the tranquil Baltic woodlands.
5 key facts about this project
01
Thatched roofing integrates traditional materials for aesthetic and thermal benefits.
02
Zinc cladding offers durability while adapting to changing environmental conditions.
03
Rotating windows enhance natural airflow and intimate outdoor connections.
04
The design allows for potential relocation to reduce ecological impact.
05
A central atrium maximizes daylight, fostering a calming atmosphere.

### Location and Intent
The Yoga House project is strategically situated near the Baltic Sea beach in Latvia, surrounded by a tranquil forest landscape. This design aims to create a space that fosters tranquility and reflection, closely aligning with the practices of yoga. Key principles guiding the development include sustainability, community engagement, and flexibility in spatial usage, with particular attention paid to minimizing environmental impact while allowing for local wildlife movement around the site.

### Spatial Organization and Circulation
The layout of the structure is informed by its natural surroundings, integrating a public access pathway that loops around the forest glade and connects to a bridge leading to the beach. A central atrium serves as a multifunctional entrance, facilitating a flow between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing shelter from inclement weather. The main yoga room is oriented to the east to capture morning sunlight, enhancing the appeal for daily practices. Additionally, the inclusion of a private garden area on the eastern side promotes a sense of seclusion and reflection, essential for personal wellness.

### Material Selection and Design Features
The design employs a range of materials that contribute to both functionality and aesthetic harmony. A thatched roof not only offers visual appeal but also provides insulation, while zinc cladding ensures durability against the elements. The building's exposed wooden frame enhances the natural ambiance, while thick walls create a sense of substance within the structure. Fully operable rotating windows promote natural ventilation and facilitate user engagement with the surrounding environment. The atrium allows for natural light circulation, enriching the spatial experience, and the adaptable main yoga room can serve multiple community functions throughout the day, thereby reinforcing the project's emphasis on flexibility in use.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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
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