Nota Elementis is a trekking cabin along the Latvian coast, designed to connect with the local culture and environment. The cabin combines traditional Latvian building techniques with modern sustainability practices. Its aim is to offer a comfortable place for visitors while celebrating the natural landscape surrounding it.

Sustainable Design Principles

The design of Nota Elementis follows the idea of “touching the Earth lightly.” This means the building has minimal impact on the ground beneath it, allowing the local ecology to stay intact. The cabin’s reduced footprint makes it suitable for various coastal locations. This connection to nature encourages visitors to engage with their surroundings and experience the beauty of the coast.

Functional Spaces

The cabin features an elevated structure that serves two main purposes. It provides accommodations for trekkers and includes informal gathering spaces at ground level. This layout fosters interaction among visitors while remaining sensitive to the environment. The tapered design limits the amount of glazing in the structure while maximizing natural light, thus improving insulation and energy efficiency.

Materials and Construction Techniques

Local timber is used for construction, treated with the shou sugi ban method. This technique involves charring the wood, which helps it last longer and reduces issues like rot. Choosing locally sourced materials lessens the building's overall carbon footprint and reflects a commitment to sustainability. It also anchors the design to its roots in Latvian culture.

Thermal Comfort Features

A notable feature of the cabin is its floating thatch snow-roof. This roof design reduces thermal challenges posed by snow accumulation. The gap between the sub-roof and the thatch captures warm air, which helps with passive heating. Rainwater and melted snow are collected in a cistern, showcasing an effort to conserve resources.

Light and shadow play an important role in the cabin's overall atmosphere, enhancing the connection between the built space and the natural environment. Each element of the design serves to invite occupants into a dialogue with the landscape, offering both shelter and inspiration.