Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Amber Accents and Rammed Earth Form a Retreat in the Latvian Landscape

Author:
Annie Hayes
Amber Accents and Rammed Earth Form a Retreat in the Latvian Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed from locally sourced earth and highlighted by amber accents, the cabins provide a unique retreat that harmonizes with the Latvian landscape while offering a sustainable means for visitors to engage with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from locally sourced earth, providing excellent thermal performance.
02
Amber accents incorporated to honor Latvia's historical trade significance.
03
Features a conversation pit designed for communal interaction and landscape appreciation.
04
A lofted sleeping area offers elevated views of the surrounding countryside.
05
Includes a green roof that facilitates rainwater collection and enhances sustainability.

The Layer By Layer Cabins are situated in the scenic landscapes of Latvia, designed to foster a connection between the built environment and nature. These cabins provide a retreat for travelers, emphasizing local culture and history through an innovative layered design. By bringing together traditional forms with modern ideas, the cabins reflect Latvia’s rich heritage while encouraging a strong engagement with the natural setting.

Architecture Concept

The design focuses on the idea of layering, both in its spatial configuration and material choices. Each cabin features a steep roof, inspired by traditional Latvian architecture, highlighting the cultural significance of local building styles. This roof not only protects from weather conditions but also signifies the history and stories that are part of the landscape. It offers visitors a chance to appreciate their surroundings from a unique viewpoint.



Materiality

Locally sourced earth serves as the primary material for the cabins, forming the walls that define their structure. Using this material emphasizes sustainability and provides effective thermal properties, enhancing the comfort of the interior spaces. The earthy tones of the rammed earth blend naturally with the coastal landscape. This connection to local materials creates a sense of belonging, allowing the cabins to sit harmoniously within their environment.



Design Features

The design includes elements such as a conversation pit that encourages interaction among visitors. This space invites people to gather and enjoy the views of the natural environment. A lofted sleeping area adds to the layered experience, giving occupants an elevated perspective of the tranquil Latvian countryside. These design features create an inviting atmosphere that enhances the overall experience for guests.



Sustainable Integration

Also noteworthy is the green roof that extends over the entrance, which serves as both an awning and a feature to collect rainwater. This attention to sustainability improves the environmental performance of the cabins, making them kinder to their surroundings. Such details emphasize the design's commitment to eco-friendly practices, further cementing the relationship between the cabins and the natural landscape.



The careful arrangement and thoughtful design of each cabin create an engaging environment that allows visitors to experience the distinctive qualities of Latvia’s landscape. The interplay of architecture and nature enriches the time spent in these unique spaces, providing memorable moments that reflect the charm of the area.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy