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Wood Fiber Insulation in a-Frame Homes Designed for Community and Nature

Authors:
Ni Komang Dira Maria Parahita, Rina Sari Tarigan-baumbach
Wood Fiber Insulation in a-Frame Homes Designed for Community and Nature
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Constructed with wood fiber insulation, the A-frame homes seamlessly integrate sustainable living with natural surroundings, creating a communal space that supports artistic collaboration among families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using wood fiber insulation derived from local waste, promoting recycling efforts.
02
Designed with a modified A-frame structure to enhance stability and accommodate local wildlife.
03
Incorporates movable walls to allow flexible interior configurations for various activities.
04
Features a centrally located Creative Hub to foster collaboration and artistic expression.
05
Integrates educational stops along a walking path to promote environmental awareness.

The design is located in rural Latvia, close to Cernostes Ezers. It emphasizes a focus on sustainability and community. The building serves as a home for two families, while also functioning as an artistic workspace known as "The Creative Hub." The overall concept prioritizes recycling, using materials from previously demolished structures to create a responsible and harmonious living environment.

Design Concept

The layout maintains the existing green southern area, introducing shapes that offer privacy for each family. The Creative Hub acts as a communal space, facilitating interaction among residents while allowing for personal creativity. This thoughtful arrangement balances shared community life with the need for individual sanctuary.

Architectural Features

Inspired by traditional countryside architecture, the design features a modified gable roof that extends into an A-frame shape. This choice enhances both stability and functionality, allowing for the accommodation of local wildlife, specifically bat populations. Positioned to capture views of the nearby lake, the building maximizes natural light through its panoramic facade, fostering a bright and inviting atmosphere conducive to both work and relaxation.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

The project incorporates ecological solutions such as wind and water power systems and lake and rainwater purification methods. These aspects contribute to the self-sufficiency of the design while minimizing its ecological impact. The landscape encourages public engagement with a circular walking path that weaves through the site. This path features designated stops offering information about the local environment, promoting outdoor activity and education.

Artistic Integration

At its center lies a connection between living spaces, artistic expression, and nature. The layout includes flexible interior spaces with movable partitions, allowing for various activities to take place simultaneously. This adaptability supports communal gatherings alongside individual retreats. Natural light filters through openings, highlighting the design's relationship to its surroundings and enhancing the overall experience within the space.

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competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Stair
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Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

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  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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