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Vortex-Inspired Huts Embracing Local Elements and Nature

Authors:
Amelie Creach, Delphine Levy, Marie-ange Ducoin, Marion Maux
Vortex-Inspired Huts Embracing Local Elements and Nature

Project in-detail

Inspired by the principles of Feng Shui, a series of five elemental huts connected by a central vortex offers tranquil spaces for meditation and community interaction amidst the natural landscape of Pavilosta.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the five elements of Feng Shui, each hut represents water, wood, fire, earth, or metal.
02
The central vortex design serves as both a spatial organizer and a symbolic connection between heaven and earth.
03
Common spaces are designed with an open sky area to facilitate meditation and gathering.
04
Architectural choices reflect the local context through colors and textures rooted in the Pavilosta landscape.
05
The project promotes a sensorial journey, encouraging exploration and connection with nature.

The design located in Pavilosta, Latvia, invites visitors to experience a deep connection between the built environment and the natural landscape. It focuses on creating an engaging environment that encourages movement and exploration among five distinctive huts. Each hut is designed to represent a specific element inspired by Feng Shui principles. The goal is to foster a sense of community while promoting interaction with the surrounding nature.

Design Concept

At the heart of the design is the idea of a sensorial journey. A vortex serves as the main organizational principle, connecting the different huts across the site. This design choice acts as a bridge between the sky and the earth, grounding the project in a thoughtful philosophical approach. By organizing the space around this central element, the design encourages visitors to wander and discover the unique qualities of each hut.

Spatial Arrangement

Each hut showcases one of the five elements of Feng Shui: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. This allows each structure to provide its own unique atmosphere and function. The distinct designs enhance the overall experience while maintaining a cohesive look throughout the site. The huts not only cater to individual needs but also contribute to a shared sense of togetherness within the landscape.

Common Areas

Central to the design are the common spaces, referred to as “tao.” These open areas are designed to facilitate gatherings and provide a space for meditation. The roof structure includes an open sky section, inviting light and nature into the space. This design encourages social interaction among visitors while providing a peaceful environment for quiet reflection. By creating these shared spaces, the design underscores the importance of community and connection to nature.

Materiality and Context

While the specific materials used in the design are not detailed, there is a clear emphasis on incorporating colors and textures found in the local area. The design aims to create a rich experience through thoughtful choices that respond to the natural surroundings. This commitment to context highlights the project’s aim of fostering a strong connection between the architecture and its environment.

The inclusion of the vortex and the representation of the five elements come together to create an expressive architectural language that encourages exploration, interaction, and a meaningful relationship 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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