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Timber-Centric Living Surrounded by Courtyards and Nature

Author:
Kristiana Genca
Timber-Centric Living Surrounded by Courtyards and Nature

Project in-detail

Constructed with timber to emphasize sustainability, the architecture integrates multiple courtyards and private terraces, fostering a connection to nature while serving as a community living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber construction emphasizes local sustainability practices.
02
Designed with three distinct courtyards to enhance community interaction.
03
Incorporates a vegetable garden for self-sufficiency and education.
04
Each studio features movable walls for adaptable use.
05
Large windows create strong visual connections to the surrounding nature.

SĀDŽA MODERNA is a contemporary take on the traditional Latvian Sādža homestead, balancing modern design with cultural heritage. Located in a landscape that represents Latvian identity, the project includes two living houses and a studio house. The design emphasizes functionality, community interaction, and respect for historical context.

Site Analysis and Characteristics

The design process begins with a thorough site analysis. It considers local tree types, climate, topography, and circulation patterns. This analysis informs the layout, ensuring that the buildings relate well to the environment and fit in with surrounding structures. The intent to incorporate traditional Latvian characteristics, particularly the use of wood, reflects both historical building practices and responses to local climate needs.

Courtyard Organization

The layout features distinct courtyards, which include original work and leisure spaces alongside a new courtyard with a vegetable garden. This arrangement supports various activities, fostering interaction among residents while maintaining privacy through clear boundaries. Such organization creates opportunities for communal engagement and personal retreats.

Functionality of the Studio House

The studio house serves multiple purposes, functioning as a carpenter's workshop, art studio, and storage space. The design includes private entryways and movable walls, providing flexibility. This allows the space to adapt to different needs, promoting collaboration while offering private work areas that address the demands of modern living.

Spatial Characteristics in Living Areas

The living areas in the residential buildings are characterized by high ceilings and large windows, creating a strong connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors. This design allows an abundance of natural light and fresh air, contributing to a comfortable living environment. Private terraces extend from these areas, giving residents individual outdoor spaces that integrate with the natural surroundings, enhancing their connection to nature.

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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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