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Timber Huts with Thatch Roofs for Poet Retreat in Natural Surroundings

Author:
Alexandre Cisneiros
Timber Huts with Thatch Roofs for Poet Retreat in Natural Surroundings

Project in-detail

Timber huts with thatch roofs emerge from the natural landscape of Latvia, providing a serene retreat for poets seeking inspiration and solitude.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber huts are designed as minimalist structures that prioritize connection with nature.
02
The site features an elliptical meditation courtyard surrounded by shaded benches.
03
Thatch roofs enhance environmental sustainability and blend with the regional landscape.
04
Each hut includes a mezzanine space for contemplation overlooking the surroundings.
05
The project employs locally sourced pine timber to align with traditional building practices.

In Pavilosta, a small fishing port town along the Baltic Sea in Latvia, a new design integrates modern elements with the area’s traditional building practices. Situated within a landscape of flat fields and abundant trees, the spaces created serve both communal gatherings and quiet reflection. The project aims to reflect the historical context of the Courland region while providing a peaceful environment for visitors.

ARRIVAL AND GATHERING

Visitors begin their experience with an entry sequence that guides them through a space defined by existing trees and a proposed stone wall. This wall provides a sense of privacy, separating guests from the outside. The main gathering area has a pitched roof that stands out against the landscape, designed for various communal activities. Here, a fireplace and chimney contribute warmth and a welcoming environment, encouraging interaction among those present.

FLEXIBILITY AND SECLUSION

A flexible area connects spaces for community activities with quieter zones. This design allows for different events like poetry readings and exhibitions. Outdoor spaces include a meditation area with an elliptical courtyard, surrounded by shaded benches. This setup offers visitors a calm environment for personal reflection, enhanced by views of local greenery and colorful wildflowers.

POET HUTS

The design features Poet huts that resemble timber tents, keeping a minimalist approach in floor area. These huts encourage movement between spaces and include double-height living areas. A central stair leads to a mezzanine level with desks, providing a peaceful spot for contemplation while overlooking the landscape.

The project emphasizes the use of timber from nearby pine forests, promoting local building traditions. Thatch roofs connect the structures to the environment and add to their sustainability, embodying traditional craftsmanship in a modern design setting.

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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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