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Cantilevered Cabins Constructed With Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Wood Elements

Authors:
Shi-Yen Wu, Shang-Chi Guo
Cantilevered Cabins Constructed With Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Wood Elements

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and featuring cantilevered forms, the cabins offer a harmonious blend of environmental sensitivity and local craftsmanship while serving as a retreat for nature enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles that enhance durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features a cantilevered design that maximizes views while minimizing ground disturbance.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural performance and sustainability.
04
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to facilitate natural ventilation and light penetration.
05
Positioned strategically to integrate with the surrounding landscape and promote eco-tourism.

## Project Overview

The Amber Cabin project is located in Latvia, a region noted for its distinctive amber resources and scenic landscapes. The design intent is to create a series of cabins that function both as shelters and immersive experiences, catering to hikers and nature enthusiasts. The architectural approach reflects Latvia's cultural ties to amber, serving as a narrative device that connects visitors with the local environment.

### Form and Structure

The architectural geometry of the cabins varies, incorporating quadrilateral and hexagonal forms that resonate with the organic shapes found in nature. This diversity in design allows for dynamic light interactions, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the surrounding landscape. A range of cabin types—Single, Double, and Triple—are strategically arranged to foster communal spaces while providing private accommodations. Positioned alongside the beach and near lakes, the design emphasizes site integration, encouraging occupants to engage fully with the natural setting.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The construction utilizes wood as the primary material, establishing a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment. Glass facades have been employed to maximize natural light and facilitate a continuous dialogue between indoor and outdoor spaces, while concrete serves as a foundational element that ensures stability, particularly in challenging terrains. Energy efficiency is a fundamental aspect of the design, incorporating sustainable practices such as renewable energy systems and natural ventilation through a double-cantilevered structure. This approach not only reduces dependence on mechanical systems but also aligns with ecological sustainability objectives.

The cabins reflect cultural heritage through their design narrative while maintaining ecological sensitivity by adapting to various terrains. Interior spaces are tailored for functionality, offering areas dedicated to sleeping, social interaction, and recreation, enhancing user experience. Large glass panels provide expansive views, allowing residents to connect with the surrounding landscape and experience its shifting beauty throughout the day.

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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
competition now

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