Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Transparent Roofs and Wooden Sanctuaries for Creative Retreats

Authors:
Anindya Gaurab, Nabila Ferdousi, Samin Rahman, Nishat Tasnim
Transparent Roofs and Wooden Sanctuaries for Creative Retreats

Project in-detail

With transparent roofs that invite natural light and wood structures that evoke local architectural traditions, the retreat fosters contemplation and creativity for poets.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mezzanine sleeping areas with transparent roofs connect occupants to the sky.
02
Each hut includes a restroom designed as a private contemplation space.
03
Wooden structures reflect traditional Latvian building methods.
04
The layout separates individual huts from communal areas for privacy.
05
Natural light is maximized through strategic design and orientation.

The Pavilosta Poet Hut is located along the coast of Latvia, where sandy and rocky beaches meet dense forests. It serves as a retreat for poets, offering a quiet space that encourages creativity and reflection. The design aims to create a strong bond between architecture and nature, allowing visitors to experience a tranquil environment that enhances their artistic pursuits.

Design Concept

The concept centers on the unique features of the Latvian landscape. The huts are designed to fit naturally into their surroundings, promoting an atmosphere suitable for deep thought and inspiration. With a focus on simplicity, each architectural element is intended to support the creative process. The result is a space that feels both familiar and comforting.

Material Choices

Wood is the main material used in the construction of the huts. This choice reflects the traditional building methods found in Latvia and contributes to a cozy atmosphere. Wood adds warmth to the interiors and connects the structures to the surrounding nature. The rustic quality of the material enhances the sense of retreat, making the huts inviting spaces for poets seeking solitude.

Spatial Organization

The layout includes individual huts that prioritize privacy while also allowing for social interaction. A linear entry facility provides necessary services, including housing for hosts, reception areas, dining spaces, and a multipurpose hall. This arrangement separates personal spaces from communal areas, giving residents the option to retreat into their own thoughts while still being part of a community.

Design Details

Each hut features a mezzanine sleeping area with a transparent roof that lets in natural light and views of the sky. This design element blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Additionally, each hut has a restroom that serves as a small area for contemplation. These features emphasize the design's intent to create supportive environments for reflection and artistic exploration.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy