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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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