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Wood Construction and Native Tree Integration in a Community-Focused Space

Authors:
Jason Gamache, Cara Rude
Wood Construction and Native Tree Integration in a Community-Focused Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with Latvian sourced wood and integrated with native trees, the building fosters a deep connection to the surrounding environment while serving as a serene community space for reflection and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from locally sourced wood, promoting regional sustainability.
02
Designed to integrate native trees as key elements of the landscape.
03
Incorporates passive ventilation for natural climate control throughout the building.
04
Features a layout that encourages both individual reflection and communal interaction.
05
Maximizes natural light through strategically placed openings that frame views of the environment.

The architectural design presents a thoughtful integration of space and nature, situated in a landscape that encourages reflection and interaction. Strong themes of renewal and rebirth run through the project, inviting occupants to immerse themselves in their surroundings. The building acts as both a shelter and a facilitator for personal exploration, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the environment.

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

Latvian sourced wood construction is a key material choice, showcasing a commitment to local resources and ecological building practices. This selection not only enhances the aesthetic of the structure but also ensures that it harmonizes with the natural setting. By using local materials, the project reflects its geographical context while promoting sustainability in construction.

SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

Careful attention to spatial arrangement allows for an engaging journey through various areas of the building. The layout encourages movement, guiding occupants to explore different spaces. Pathways that gently curve through the site foster a tactile experience, creating opportunities to engage with the landscape actively.

HUMAN-CENTRIC DESIGN

Emphasizing warmth and friendliness, the design promotes social interaction within shared areas. Each space is crafted to balance individual reflection with community engagement. Natural elements and welcoming layouts create an inviting atmosphere that supports both solitude and connection among occupants.

Delicate details, such as the careful placement of windows that capture views of the surrounding nature, enhance the connection to the outside world. Light pours into the interior, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, enriching the user experience while maintaining focus on the beauty of 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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