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Triangular Volumes of Scots Pine Designed for Coastal Harmony and Mindful Retreats

Authors:
Ian Markowicz, José María Guerra, Thiago Benites
Triangular Volumes of Scots Pine Designed for Coastal Harmony and Mindful Retreats

Project in-detail

Constructed with triangular volumes of Scots Pine, this retreat uniquely integrates natural light and coastal views to create a serene environment for meditation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from locally sourced Scots Pine to enhance environmental integration.
02
Incorporates extensive glazing to maximize natural light and coastal views.
03
Utilizes Structural Insulated Panels for superior thermal performance and efficiency.
04
Features a unique triangular volume design promoting spatial harmony and meditation.
05
Incorporates adaptable spaces for various communal and individual activities.

### Project Overview
The spiritual retreat "OM" is located along the Baltic Sea coast in Latvia, designed to foster spiritual growth and community connection while integrating into the natural setting. The structure comprises four triangular volumes that serve various functions, including bedrooms, a living area, and a yoga lounge. This spatial organization supports a meditative atmosphere while encouraging communal interactions among users.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The triangular form serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, symbolizing a connection to nature and the spiritual journey. Each volume features expansive glass facades that maximize natural light and provide views of the surrounding landscape. The layout incorporates two principal axes: one facilitating movement between the bedrooms and yoga lounge, and another aligned with views of the Baltic Sea, offering orientation and enhancing the user experience. Exterior decks extend living spaces outdoors, allowing interactions with the serene environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and local context. Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are employed for their thermal efficiency, while Scots pine, used for both cladding and structural elements, establishes a strong connection to the nearby woodlands. The design utilizes a waterproof membrane to counter coastal weather, and large, glazed windows enhance the indoor environment by blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior. The project emphasizes minimal environmental impact through local material sourcing and careful site positioning, preserving existing trees and integrating harmoniously with the 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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