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Thatch Roof Home Supporting Local Ecosystem and Creative Living

Author:
Angelika Olejarka
Thatch Roof Home Supporting Local Ecosystem and Creative Living

Project in-detail

With a thatch roof designed to accommodate local bat habitats and an adaptable workshop space, the residence at Cernostes Lake combines sustainable materials and traditional forms to create a contemporary home for creative living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Thatch roof designed to provide bat habitats.
02
Adaptive workshop space with sliding shutters.
03
Reused existing foundation to minimize environmental impact.
04
Integration of local timber in construction.
05
Open-plan layout encouraging communal interaction.

The Thatch House is located at Cernostes Lake in Latvia, showcasing a focus on sustainability and harmony with the surrounding environment. The design combines traditional elements with modern living requirements, creating a space that adapts to its users. This residence serves not only as a home but also as a creative workspace, reflecting contemporary needs.

Design Concept

The design emphasizes sustainability and the reuse of materials. The thatched roof is a defining feature, embracing the regional architectural style while minimizing environmental impact. By using the existing foundation, the design reduces disruption to the landscape, fostering a connection with nature. The approach respects local building traditions while ensuring a functional and comfortable living space.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the Thatch House supports both privacy and togetherness. The first floor includes a bedroom, children’s bedroom, bathroom, storage, and hallway, providing quiet areas for retreat. In contrast, the ground floor features an open plan for the living room, kitchen, and dining area. This space encourages interaction among family or guests, creating a welcoming environment for gatherings.

Artist Workshop

An interesting aspect of the design is the artist workshop. Designed for flexibility, this space includes sliding shutters that allow the area to be expanded when needed. It caters to various activities and encourages creativity. Such thoughtful design elements respond to the diverse needs of modern living while maintaining a focus on artistic expression.

Materials and Construction Details

Material selection in the Thatch House reflects a commitment to sustainability and durability. The thatched roof provides insulation and protection from the elements, ideal for Latvia’s climate. Timber studs form the structure, offering stability, while battens with mineral wool insulation enhance energy performance. Toughened glass windows provide natural light and comfort without compromising energy efficiency. The use of pine floorboards adds warmth to the interior, while chipboard panels maintain a cohesive look throughout.

These carefully chosen elements contribute to a harmonious living experience, connecting the interior spaces with the natural surroundings. The design balances tradition with modern requirements, creating a residence that is both practical and visually appealing.

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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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