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Charmed Pine Cladding and Elevated Design Unite in Timber Retreat Along the Baltic Sea

Authors:
Jingle Chen, Shahn Griffen
Charmed Pine Cladding and Elevated Design Unite in Timber Retreat Along the Baltic Sea

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood cladding and an elevated foundation, the design integrates seamlessly into its Baltic Sea surroundings, offering a modern retreat that prioritizes both sustainability and comfort.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes characteristic charred wood cladding for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural performance and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that allows for optimal space utilization and natural light.
04
Strategically placed large windows maximize panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Elevated foundation minimizes site disruption and enhances resilience to environmental factors.

### Project Overview

The Dzinters Cabins are situated along the Amber Road trail in Latvia, adjacent to the Baltic Sea. The design intent focuses on creating functional residential spaces that enhance the experience of the natural landscape. Emphasizing a connection with the surrounding wilderness, the cabins provide occupants with modern comforts while fostering an intimate relationship with nature.

### Spatial Configuration and Materiality

The design promotes an open layout that includes both ground and loft levels, allowing for versatile living, recreational, and sleeping spaces. Internal configurations utilize movable furniture and adaptable layouts, catering to diverse occupant needs. Central to the interior is a fireplace, which serves as a gathering point, enhancing social interaction while providing warmth.

Exteriors feature a pitched roof and a façade of vertical wooden slats, integrating the structures within the forested environment. The use of charred pine cladding enhances durability and aesthetic value, while birch plywood interiors contribute to a cozy atmosphere. Extensive glazing ensures unobstructed views of the landscape, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor environments.

### Construction Techniques and Sustainability

The cabins are raised on a strategically designed footing system that addresses environmental stability on uneven terrain. Incorporating steel elements in the framework adds strength and longevity, with galvanized steel brackets preventing corrosion.

To optimize energy efficiency, the design utilizes 25mm thick insulation and waterproof membranes within the exterior walls. Locally sourced materials further reduce the project's carbon footprint, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding ecosystem. This careful selection and construction methodology underscore a commitment to sustainability while enhancing the functional aspects of the design.

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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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