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Beeswax Heating System and Local Stone Integration in Eco-Friendly Cabin Retreat

Author:
Horatiu Bran
Beeswax Heating System and Local Stone Integration in Eco-Friendly Cabin Retreat
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A beeswax-based heating system and the use of local stone enhance the sustainable design of cabins that provide a comfortable retreat in the Latvian countryside.
5 key facts about this project
01
A beeswax tank stores thermal energy for efficient heating.
02
Cabins utilize mineral wool for superior insulation.
03
Wood shingles reflect traditional Latvian roofing techniques.
04
Pathways are designed to enhance interaction with nature.
05
Local stone flooring connects the cabins to the landscape.

The design is located in the Latvian countryside, where it aims to blend built structures with the natural environment. The idea is to create a modern version of the traditional Latvian rural house, serving as a welcoming place for visitors. The design emphasizes comfort and accessibility, focusing on human-scale interactions that allow people to engage with the surrounding landscape.

Concept and Layout

The layout features cabins organized amidst dense vegetation, enhancing privacy while offering beautiful views. The arrangement creates communal spaces for social interaction, while pathways guide visitors through the site. This design fosters an experience that connects users with nature, encouraging them to appreciate the beauty around them.

Climatic Considerations

Effectively addressing climate challenges is an essential part of the design. Strategies include sun shading for windows that help prevent overheating during warmer months. The careful placement of cabins allows for passive solar heating in the winter, ensuring that indoor spaces remain comfortable year-round. This approach meets the needs of occupants while being mindful of the environment.

Material Selection

Specific materials were chosen for their aesthetic and functional properties. Exterior wood panels offer a natural look, while mineral wool insulation contributes to energy efficiency. Wood shingles for the roofs connect the design to local architectural styles, and local stone flooring ties the cabins to the landscape, making them durable and visually appealing.

Heating Strategy

A practical heating system plays a key role in the design. Solar panels are used to heat water, serving both domestic needs and cabin heating. The system includes a tank filled with beeswax that stores thermal energy effectively. This method lowers dependence on conventional energy sources and supports sustainable practices within the design.

Large windows in the cabins allow ample natural light to enter, creating a bright environment and connecting indoor spaces to the expansive outdoor views. Each design choice reinforces the goal of creating a relaxing retreat that respects its rural setting while providing comfort to its users.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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