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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
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