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Timber Frames Embraced by Natural Green Spaces

Author:
Lorin Wiedemeier
Timber Frames Embraced by Natural Green Spaces

Project in-detail

Nestled among lush green spaces, distinct timber frames create a unique blend of serenity and inspiration, providing a collaborative living environment for two artist families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Framed spaces create dynamic views throughout the residence.
02
The artist workspace features a maze-like layout to foster creativity.
03
Private gardens enhance the connection between living spaces and nature.
04
Timber construction emphasizes local materials and craftsmanship.
05
Large windows maximize natural light and integrate the outdoors.

The design situated near Cernoste lake in the eastern Latvian plains of Rezekne is intended for two artist families. This residence serves as both a living space and a creative environment. The concept focuses on a blend of extroverted living areas and introverted workspaces, promoting an atmosphere that encourages artistic expression while accommodating family interactions.

Concept and Structure

The project uses framed spaces that establish a clear and organized spatial layout. These frames create various niches, balconies, and staircases, allowing inhabitants to engage with both indoor and outdoor environments. This approach encourages a flow between the building and the surrounding landscape, enhancing experiences for those who live and work there.

Artist's Workspace

The workspace is designed in a maze-like fashion, promoting exploration and flexibility. Different perspectives are intentionally integrated into the design. This variety aims to stimulate creativity, addressing the need for an environment that blends artistic practices with interaction with nature. Changing views inspire the occupants and support their artistic pursuits.

Living Spaces

The living areas create a cave-like setting, emphasizing warmth and intimacy. Traditional Nordic architectural influences are adapted, helping the living space connect with the landscape. Each residence includes private gardens while offering shared areas to foster interaction among family members. This design reflects a balance between personal space and community.

Design Materials

Wood plays a key role in the design, contributing to both the pleasantness of the space and its structural strength. The use of wood helps create a welcoming environment that aligns with the intentions of the project. Strong, rigid joints are incorporated to ensure stability while allowing for creative design flexibility.

Large windows in the living area provide views of the landscape, enhancing the connection to nature. They also allow natural light to fill the interiors, creating bright and inviting spaces for both family life and artistic work.

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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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