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Thatch Roofed Family Retreat Emphasizing Shared Spaces and Natural Wood

Authors:
Néstor andres Mancini, Mariana Perujo, Romina Alberini, Guido Giorgi
Thatch Roofed Family Retreat Emphasizing Shared Spaces and Natural Wood

Project in-detail

Constructed with a thatch roof and local wood, the design promotes interaction through shared spaces while providing privacy for two families in a harmonious lakeside setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Two-family design promotes interaction through flexible communal areas.
02
The hall can function as an art gallery, enhancing creative expression.
03
Local wood and thatch roofing create a connection to the surrounding environment.
04
Strategic layout allows for privacy while encouraging shared experiences.
05
Proximity to a lake integrates natural views into daily living.

"Confluence" is a design that integrates two family units within a cohesive residential space. Located near a lake, the project focuses on the idea of coming together, creating an environment that encourages family interaction while also providing areas for individual privacy. The design combines usefulness with artistic features, enhancing the living experience and fostering connection.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of spaces is central to the design, allowing families to engage with each other. There are shared areas on both floors, promoting communication among family members. A hall connects these spaces, giving the option for privacy when desired. This area can also serve as an art gallery, reflecting the importance of creativity in everyday life.

Flexible Usage

Flexibility is a hallmark of the design, where spaces are adaptable to various needs like sleeping, working, and studying. This approach allows the different lifestyles of the families to be met effectively. The hall's capability to change its purpose illustrates the commitment to versatile design, making it suitable for evolving needs over time.

Materials and Aesthetics

The project employs traditional Latvian materials such as wood and thatch. These choices not only enhance the visual appeal but also strengthen the connection to the local landscape. Using familiar materials contributes to a genuine look and feel and respects the cultural context of the area.

Relationship with the Environment

The design creates a balanced connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Being close to the lake influences the design, allowing for a flow between the interior and the natural surroundings. Natural light and views are carefully considered, resulting in a calm atmosphere. Residents can enjoy both the built environment and nature, leading to a richer living experience.

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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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