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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.

### Project Overview

KoKo Timber Cabin is located in the forests of Latvia, designed as a sustainable and easily constructed timber structure that reflects local building traditions. The project aims to integrate harmoniously into the natural landscape, fostering a connection between users and their environment. It emphasizes minimal ecological impact, efficient construction techniques, and the use of thoughtfully selected materials to create a straightforward yet effective architectural solution.

### Material Efficiency

The KoKo cabin employs a range of materials that enhance sustainability while providing aesthetic appeal. Timber serves as the primary building material due to its local availability and thermal efficiency. The external cladding features charred wood, which improves durability and weather resistance while creating a striking visual counterpart to the environment. Additionally, a thatched roof not only showcases traditional craftsmanship but also contributes to energy efficiency. Interior spaces are demarcated by canvas screens that offer flexibility and multifunctionality, while strategically incorporated stone elements add a rustic yet contemporary touch to the overall design.

### Structural Strategy

The structural configuration employs an elevated foundation on stilts to reduce site disturbance and protect existing vegetation from moisture. An open-plan layout centers around a communal area, facilitating social interaction while maintaining privacy in sleeping spaces. Innovative storage solutions are integrated into the floor and furniture, maximizing usability and space efficiency. Large windows throughout the cabin create an immersive experience, framing views of the natural surroundings and allowing ample natural light to fill the interior, further enhancing the connection to nature.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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