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Wooden Retreat With Sloping Roof in Tranquil Natural Setting

Author:
Nadav Fuerstain
Wooden Retreat With Sloping Roof in Tranquil Natural Setting

Project in-detail

The carefully designed sloping roof and integrated wooden elements create a harmonious retreat that encourages meditation and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
An integrated wooden shell enhances natural insulation and aesthetic continuity.
02
The design features a sloping roof specifically tailored to manage local snow loads.
03
Transitional spaces create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
04
Geometric forms are carefully aligned to optimize views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Open areas are strategically arranged to foster meditation and quiet reflection.

Located in the Gulf of Riga, within the areas of Rigat, Ozolini, and Teamakers, the project aims to create a peaceful retreat that blends with its natural environment. The design focuses on forming a quiet space that meets the various challenges posed by local weather conditions, such as rain, snow, cold, heat, and insects. It is built with the intent to promote calmness and reflection for its users.

Geometric Integration

The design employs a geometric approach, featuring a cube-like structure that enhances spatial organization. This form allows for effective use of space while ensuring it fits well within the natural landscape. Certain parts of the exterior mass have been carefully removed to accommodate essential functions, including staircases and heating storage. The sloping roof design effectively addresses local snow management needs.

Functional Organization

The layout prioritizes open areas, fostering meditation and engagement with the surrounding nature. The entrance serves as a transition zone, blending indoor and outdoor spaces while providing a welcoming area for reflection. The upper levels contain sleeping areas and storage, arranged to promote connectivity among the different rooms. The gallery’s placement allows occupants to remain linked to shared spaces, enhancing communal interaction.

Material Considerations

Wood serves as the primary material within the building's interior. This choice contributes warmth and a tactile link to the natural surroundings. The selection of wood aligns with the overall goal of creating a calming environment. Additionally, the design draws inspiration from traditional construction methods, providing a thoughtful approach that respects the local architectural context while incorporating modern elements.

Design Detailing

The sloped roof is not only a visual element; it also plays a crucial role in managing snow accumulation. By minimizing contact with the ground, the design reduces any negative impact on the environment while enhancing a sense of openness. This careful attention to form and function enriches the overall experience, allowing occupants to enjoy a tranquil connection with the landscape surrounding them.

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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
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