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Tranquil Living Within Nature's Embrace Through Open-Plan Shelter

Authors:
Jeremie Grehan, Yoakim Saint-just, Loïc Baucher, Mathilde Dousson
Tranquil Living Within Nature's Embrace Through Open-Plan Shelter
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With a focus on open-plan spaces that foster tranquility, this residence integrates natural light and embraces the surrounding forest to create a serene living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features open-plan spaces that enhance natural light and visual connection to the exterior.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and environmental sustainability.
03
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and a refined aesthetic.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to optimize spatial volume and create unique interior dynamics.
05
Strategically positioned to offer tranquility while maintaining a close relationship with the surrounding forest.

The design is located in Latvia, where the landscape emphasizes the country’s reputation as one of the greenest in Europe. It occupies a setting among trees, creating a harmonious relationship with nature. The building functions as a residential space focused on intentional living, where the concept revolves around simplicity and utility rather than luxury. The overall design invites engagement with the natural environment, allowing for a deeper connection to the surroundings.

Conceptual Framework

At its core, the design promotes straightforwardness and practicality. It seeks to eliminate excess and prioritize elements that enhance everyday living. By encouraging a close interaction between inside and outside spaces, the design aims to immerse occupants in the calming atmosphere of the forest.

Spatial Organization

The project incorporates essential themes such as shelter, adaptation, openness, and circulation. The shelter aspect ensures protection while letting in ample daylight, which makes the interiors feel bright and welcoming. Open layouts are utilized to create connectivity and expanded sightlines. This approach reinforces the bond between the living space and the landscape that surrounds it.

Circulation and Flow

Within the design, pathways are planned to enable easy movement and natural transitions between different areas. This thoughtful circulation fosters a connection with the outdoors. By breaking down traditional boundaries between inside and outside, the design emphasizes interaction with nature, encouraging an appreciation of the environment. It is adaptable, catering to various needs over time.

Aesthetics and Experience

While specific materials are not specified, the emphasis appears to be on thoughtful selections that enhance the living experience. The overall design fosters a strong sense of place. Every detail invites residents to engage with the beauty that envelops them, creating a calm atmosphere where the outside world is an integral part of everyday life.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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