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Timber Huts Embracing Nature with Thoughtful Pathways and Community Space

Author:
Eszter Szilágyi
Timber Huts Embracing Nature with Thoughtful Pathways and Community Space

Project in-detail

Timber huts are arranged to enhance privacy while embracing the natural landscape, connected by pathways that foster community interaction, serving as a tranquil retreat for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber huts are oriented southwest for optimal views and privacy.
02
Pathways enhance connectivity, promoting exploration throughout the site.
03
Design integrates local architectural forms, reflecting regional culture.
04
Minimalist bathroom layouts maximize space while ensuring comfort.
05
Natural wood finishes create a warm ambiance within each unit.

The architectural design is located in Latvia, a region known for its vast lowland plains, gentle hills, and extensive coastline. This environment enhances the natural beauty of the setting while informing the design choices made throughout the project. The intention is to provide comfortable living spaces that are in tune with the surroundings. By integrating afforestation and careful building orientation, the design creates inviting environments that promote a connection with nature.

Design Concept

The design centers around harmonizing built structures with the landscape. Buildings are positioned to face south, allowing for maximum natural light which enhances the interiors. Guest accommodations take the form of huts, strategically placed along the edge of a field and oriented southwest. This arrangement allows for beautiful views while ensuring each hut offers privacy. Such thoughtful planning encourages a relationship with the natural surroundings.

Pathways and Community Spaces

Pathways weave through the site, inviting exploration and interaction among guests. These paths enhance connectivity between different areas, promoting social engagement. The main building serves as the kitchen and dining area, designed for communal living. With movable furniture, the space adapts easily to various group sizes and occasions, allowing for gatherings. Furthermore, built-in bookshelves and seating areas offer functionality while creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Material Choices

Wood is the primary material used throughout. It supports a light structure, aligns with local building traditions, and helps keep the project aligned with sustainable practices. The choice of timber not only enhances the overall visual appeal but also reduces the carbon footprint. Local materials strengthen the connection between the buildings and their environment, reflecting a commitment to ecological responsibility.

The huts are designed with minimalist bathrooms that ensure privacy without compromising the overall living experience. Each unit's layout facilitates smooth transitions between sleeping and bathing areas, creating comfort for guests. Natural wood finishes contribute to a warm feel inside, enhancing the occupants' experience against the backdrop of the serene Latvian landscape.

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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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