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Thatched Roof Community Space with Straw Insulation and Latgallian Influence

Authors:
Claudio Carrieri, Vittorio Gemignani, Francesco emanuele Capaldi
Thatched Roof Community Space with Straw Insulation and Latgallian Influence

Project in-detail

With a thatched roof and straw insulation that honor Latgallian traditions, two distinct housing units encircle a central communal space, promoting both social interaction and a connection to the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Thatched roof design incorporates traditional Latgallian techniques.
02
Central circular space promotes community interaction among residents.
03
Three descending levels in the Atelier enhance visual connections to the landscape.
04
Natural light is maximized through strategic north-facing windows.
05
Environmental sensitivity is achieved with straw insulation and locally sourced materials.

The Four Seasons House combines living space with nature, designed to foster a sense of community while respecting the surroundings. Located in a forested area, the building balances modern design with traditional elements. It features two housing units that wrap around a central circular area, encouraging residents to connect with each other and take in the natural environment. The thatched hipped roof pays homage to the historical Latgallian style, creating a structure that feels right at home in the landscape.

Spatial Configuration

The layout of the Four Seasons House is thoughtfully organized. A central service block divides private living spaces from communal areas. This approach allows for both personal privacy and opportunities for collaboration. The Atelier, which functions as a creative space, descends in three levels toward the nearby water, enhancing the views and light. North-facing windows ensure that natural light fills the interiors, making the living areas feel open and connected to the outside.

Community Focus

At the heart of the design is the circular communal space, which encourages social interaction among residents. This area connects the two housing units and serves as a gathering place for activities and shared experiences. By placing this space at the center, the design highlights the importance of community while still providing private areas for relaxation and solitude.

Material Selection

Sustainability plays a key role in the material choices for the Four Seasons House. The thatched roof is not only a design feature but also provides insulation, helping to regulate the interior climate. Wooden planking and compressed straw blocks offer both structural support and thermal efficiency. The use of epoxy resin flooring adds durability while enhancing the overall quality of the interior spaces. Each material has been selected with an eye toward environmental performance, making the building more in tune with its surroundings.

Design Details

Design features reflect careful attention to function and aesthetics. The varied angles of the roof adjust to different needs, creating distinct moods within the spaces. Open and closed dormers are included to manage light and air while also offering places for local wildlife, like bats. These thoughtful choices contribute to the overall character of the house and reinforce its connection to the natural environment.

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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

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competition now

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