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Charred Wood Cladding and Thatched Roof Define a Sustainable Cabin Retreat

Authors:
Jovana Lukic, Eetu Hyvönen
Charred Wood Cladding and Thatched Roof Define a Sustainable Cabin Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood cladding and a traditional thatched roof, the design integrates seamlessly into the Latvian landscape, serving as a sustainable retreat that promotes both community and individual connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a traditional thatching technique for roofing, enhancing thermal efficiency.
02
Employs charred wood cladding for durability and reduced maintenance needs.
03
Incorporates movable canvas screens for flexible interior space management.
04
Elevated on stilts to minimize land disturbance and promote natural drainage.
05
Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding Latvian forest landscape.

The KoKo Timber Cabin project exemplifies efficient, sustainable architecture through its thoughtful integration into the Latvian landscape. This design focuses on simplicity, promoting a connection to nature while meeting the needs of its users. The cabin serves as both a retreat and a functional living space, designed for social interaction as well as personal reflection.

Sustainability is central to the KoKo project’s philosophy. It utilizes locally sourced timber, reducing transportation emissions and taking advantage of natural resources found in Latvia. The cabin's exterior features charred wood cladding, a technique that enhances durability and minimizes maintenance. The thatched roof adds an organic element, improving thermal performance while echoing traditional building practices. Together, these materials emphasize the cabin's commitment to environmental responsibility.

The layout of the KoKo cabin is another defining aspect. An open-plan interior fosters a sense of community, with a common area flanked by private sleeping spaces. This arrangement allows for flexible use, accommodating various group sizes and activities. Movable canvas screens further enhance versatility, creating adaptable areas for rest and interaction. Integrated storage solutions maximize efficiency, ensuring users can maintain a clutter-free environment within a compact footprint.

Distinctive design approaches differentiate the KoKo project from typical cabin architecture. Elevating the cabin on stilts minimizes land disturbance and elevation from water levels, preserving the surrounding vegetation. This feature not only respects the natural environment but also enhances views over the landscape. The incorporation of traditional Latvian construction methods, such as thatched roofs and timber frameworks, reflects a cultural sensitivity that connects the building to its historical context.

The KoKo Timber Cabin represents a significant step in innovative, sustainable architectural practices. It stands as a model for future designs that prioritize environmental stewardship while providing functional living spaces. For a deeper understanding of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive project presentation to discover the full scope of its architectural significance and design outcomes.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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