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Timber Framework and Courtyard Living in a Modern Latvian Homestead

Author:
Kristiana Genca
Timber Framework and Courtyard Living in a Modern Latvian Homestead
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With a timber framework that reflects traditional Latvian building techniques, this contemporary homestead integrates multiple courtyards to enhance communal living while providing functional spaces for work and leisure.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber framework incorporates traditional Latvian construction methods.
02
Layout features multiple courtyards for distinct social and work areas.
03
Studio house designed with three separate entrances for multifunctional use.
04
Large window openings enhance natural light and outdoor views.
05
Includes a dedicated vegetable garden for sustainable living.

SĀDŽA MODERNA is a modern take on the traditional Latvian Sādža homestead located in the Latgale region. The design brings together traditional architectural elements with the needs of contemporary living. It features three distinct buildings: two living houses and a studio house. Each structure is thoughtfully arranged to respect the existing foundations and maintain a connection to the site's historical richness.

Design Concept

The design emphasizes the relationship between the buildings and their surroundings. Careful examination of local factors such as topography, climate, and existing trees guided the placement of the buildings. This approach ensures that sunlight reaches the interiors and offers pleasant views, fostering a strong connection between the inhabitants and the landscape.

Spatial Configuration

The layout is organized around several courtyards, each serving different functions. There is a work courtyard, a leisure courtyard, and a new work courtyard for vegetable gardening. These areas are designed to enhance daily living, providing spaces for both productivity and relaxation. The configuration invites social interaction while also allowing for private moments.

Material and Structure

The buildings use a wooden framework, a material that reflects traditional building techniques in the region. Each structure features storage solutions, which are important for supporting daily activities. The studio house serves multiple purposes, equipped with three separate entrances that facilitate various activities and promote easy movement throughout the area.

Natural Light and Connection

Natural light is a central aspect of the design, with large windows that connect indoors and outdoors. This feature enhances the comfort of the living spaces while providing visual connections to the landscape. The thoughtful arrangement of the buildings allows light to fill the interiors, creating a welcoming atmosphere that emphasizes the relationship between the residents and their environment.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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