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Thatch Roofing and Wood Panel Construction Create a Harmonious Community Space in Latvia

Author:
Alex Witteman
Thatch Roofing and Wood Panel Construction Create a Harmonious Community Space in Latvia

Project in-detail

With a design inspired by a daisy flower and constructed using thatch roofing and prefabricated wood panels, the building serves as a multifunctional space for communal activities and wellness practices in the Latvian forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a thatch roof, the project pays homage to traditional Latvian building methods while promoting sustainability.
02
The design mimics a daisy flower, creating an organic flow between spaces and enhancing emotional well-being.
03
Operable glass walls integrate the indoor and outdoor environments, promoting natural light and ventilation.
04
Utilizes prefabricated wood panels for efficient assembly and minimized environmental impact during construction.
05
Incorporates a rooftop deck that offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest, fostering a connection with nature.

**Location and Intent**
Situated along the forested coast of Latvia, Bloom House is designed to promote communal well-being and harmony with the natural environment. Drawing on the rich cultural heritage of Latvian architectural traditions, the project interprets traditional dwelling forms through a contemporary lens. The design reflects a duality of structure and purpose, symbolizing a "blooms" inspired by natural forms, with emphasis on balance and openness aligned with wellness practices such as yoga.

**Spatial Configuration and User Interaction**
The spatial organization of Bloom House facilitates a dynamic flow between private and communal areas. A flexible common space is tailored for a range of activities, encouraging social interaction, particularly for yoga and community gatherings. The design incorporates furniture that can be adapted or stored, enhancing the versatility of the space. The rooftop deck provides an elevated perspective, allowing users to engage visually and mentally with the surrounding forest, thus fostering a tranquil atmosphere.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**
The choice of materials is integral to the project's sustainability ethos, aligning with the natural landscape. Prefabricated wood panels form the primary structure, ensuring efficient construction and aesthetic coherence. Operable glass panels facilitate a connection between indoor and outdoor environments, while a thatch roof complements the organic appearance, aiding integration with the wooded surroundings. A concrete pier structure minimizes site disruption, and a stone patio serves as both an inviting entry and a functional gathering area. Solar panels are incorporated to optimize energy consumption, reinforcing a commitment to ecological principles and sustainable living practices.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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