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Wooden Cladding and Lake Views in a Nature-Infused Guest Experience

Author:
Armend Begisholli
Wooden Cladding and Lake Views in a Nature-Infused Guest Experience

Project in-detail

Constructed with wooden cladding and designed to maximize lake views, the guest house offers a unique retreat focused on wellness and communal experiences in a tranquil natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced wooden cladding for environmental integration.
02
Features dedicated spaces for tea production, enhancing communal interaction.
03
Designed to capture panoramic views of the adjacent lake and forest.
04
Includes yoga and meditation areas to promote wellness activities.
05
Focuses on energy efficiency through well-planned insulation and roofing.

Latvian Vernacular Wooden Homes presents a thoughtful approach to living in harmony with nature. Located in a rural area, the setting encourages a connection between the residents and their surroundings. The design concept revolves around the idea of NATUconnect, highlighting the significance of nature in daily life. The aim is to create a space that accommodates both private reflection and community interaction, providing a well-rounded living experience.

Spatial Organization

The layout is carefully planned to prioritize both function and tranquility. Spaces are clearly defined and organized, which helps to create a logical flow throughout the guest house. Key features include a living room, kitchen, yoga and meditation areas, and several bedrooms. Each space is positioned to capture views of the forest and lake, allowing residents to engage with the landscape. This arrangement promotes relaxation and encourages social connections among guests.

Material Choices

The materials used reflect local building traditions while meeting modern needs. Exterior wooden cladding is a prominent feature, honoring the region’s architectural history. This choice also contributes to energy efficiency. Additionally, roofing underlayment, insulation layers, and wooden finishes are utilized to enhance comfort within the home. These materials not only support sustainable practices but also connect with the cultural heritage of Latvia.

Community Engagement

A significant element of the design is the intention to foster community. Specific areas for tea production, including a making workshop and drying facilities, are included to promote interaction among guests. These spaces invite collaboration and shared activities, linking visitors to local customs and traditions. The layout encourages a sense of togetherness and creates opportunities for learning and connection.

The arrangement of the guest house allows for a strong interaction with the natural environment. Each space is filled with light and designed to let nature play a role in the daily lives of residents. Overall, the design offers a living experience that respects both craftsmanship and the soothing qualities 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

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