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Transparent Walls and Renewable Energy in a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Anaïs Duquesnoy, Lucien Desmenez
Transparent Walls and Renewable Energy in a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing transparent walls and integrating renewable energy solutions, the complex fosters community engagement while promoting wellness through yoga and sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an aquaponic system for integrated food production.
02
Incorporates solar panels and a wind turbine for energy independence.
03
Features transparent walls to enhance indoor-outdoor connection.
04
Preserves historical structure while introducing modern elements.
05
Designed to foster community engagement through dedicated social spaces.

TERRA NOSTRA is an architectural design located in Latvia, focusing on sustainability, community engagement, and a strong connection to nature. It serves as a tourism complex that encourages wellness practices, particularly yoga. The design idea combines modern architecture with traditional elements, ensuring that the existing historical structure works well with the new additions to create a balanced environment.

Energy Sustainability

This complex integrates renewable energy solutions such as solar panels and a wind turbine. These features allow the buildings to generate their own electricity, aligning with the goal of reducing environmental impact. By utilizing sustainable energy, TERRA NOSTRA showcases an effective approach to ecological responsibility within the built environment.

Ecological Food Production

TERRA NOSTRA employs an aquaponic system, alongside traditional farming techniques like mounds cultivation and vegetable gardens. These systems provide efficient food production while promoting biodiversity. The gardens are designed to support a variety of plant species and include elements such as chickens and beekeeping, enhancing the richness of the local ecosystem.

Community Engagement Spaces

The design includes areas specifically for yoga and social activities, allowing visitors to connect with one another in meaningful ways. These communal facilities are strategically placed to encourage interaction and cultural exchange, reinforcing the sense of belonging that is key to the complex’s aim. The layout promotes both individual well-being and collective experience.

Natural Interaction

A notable feature is the use of transparent walls that connect indoor spaces with the outdoors. This design creates an open environment that lets in light and fosters a close relationship with nature. The ability to see the surroundings enhances the experience of being in the space, making nature an essential part of everyday life within TERRA NOSTRA.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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