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Turf-Capped Precast Structures That Harmonize With The Latvian Landscape

Authors:
Miriam Fenner, Oliver Fenner
Turf-Capped Precast Structures That Harmonize With The Latvian Landscape

Project in-detail

Turf-covered precast concrete pipes create a sustainable refuge that blends seamlessly into Latvia's natural landscape, offering hikers a durable and modular shelter for outdoor experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Turf roofs support local biodiversity and aid in rainwater management.
02
Precast concrete pipes provide modular flexibility for various site conditions.
03
Salvaged timber incorporates local cultural elements through traditional carvings.
04
Design enhances natural ventilation and thermal performance in outdoor settings.
05
Strategic placement respects the surrounding landscape while minimizing ecological impact.

## Overview
"Shelter in the Meadow" is situated along the Amber Road in Latvia, designed specifically for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking refuge within the scenic landscape. The project prioritizes sustainability and functionality, allowing for a meaningful interaction with the natural environment while addressing the needs of its users. It aims to provide a minimalistic yet effective shelter that respects the surrounding wilderness.

## Structural and Material Strategy
Utilizing precast concrete pipes arranged in a staggered formation, the structural design ensures modularity and adaptability to varying environmental contexts. The shelters feature living turf roofs embellished with self-sown wildflowers and grasses, which enhance both aesthetic appeal and ecological performance, including rainwater harvesting and temperature regulation. The integration of salvaged timber for internal furnishings complements this approach by minimizing waste, while PVC is employed for efficient rainwater drainage and storage.

## Environmental Considerations
The site planning emphasizes visual connection to the landscape while minimizing ecological disruption. Each shelter's positioning is informed by topographical features, allowing for an unobtrusive presence in the environment. The weatherproof design of the concrete structures ensures resilience against diverse climatic conditions, while the attention to cost efficiency through the use of readily available materials supports sustainable construction practices. The variances in design configurations foster community interaction while also allowing for privacy, thereby enhancing user experience and connection to nature.

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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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