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Charred Wood Facades and Plywood Interiors in an Ecologically Sensitive Retreat

Author:
Arjan de Nooijer
Charred Wood Facades and Plywood Interiors in an Ecologically Sensitive Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood facades and locally sourced plywood interiors, this retreat blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings while providing essential shelter and communal space for outdoor enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to enhance weather resistance and longevity.
02
Incorporates locally sourced plywood, promoting sustainability and regional craftsmanship.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Employs prefabricated components for efficient on-site assembly and reduced environmental impact.
05
Includes adaptable outdoor spaces for communal activities, fostering community engagement.

## Project Overview

The Amber Cabin is located in the coastal regions of Latvia and is designed to serve as a functional retreat for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Drawing inspiration from amber stones, which are characteristic of the region, the cabin seeks to enhance the relationship between its occupants and the natural landscape. Its design intent centers on providing a welcoming and adaptable shelter that accommodates a variety of user needs while maintaining ecological sensitivity.

## Spatial Strategy and Functional Design

The spatial arrangement of the cabin is optimized for both individual and group activities, featuring a ground floor that incorporates living quarters, cooking facilities, and storage in a cohesive open-plan layout. The first floor offers a sleeping area designed with large windows to provide expansive views of the night sky, creating a direct connection to the outdoor environment. Additional outdoor spaces, such as a sheltered picnic area, promote communal cooking and dining experiences, encouraging interaction with nature.

## Material Selection and Construction Techniques

The construction utilizes locally sourced materials that reflect the regional context and enhance the cabin's durability. Interior walls are crafted from Latvian plywood, contributing a natural aesthetic, while a robust steel foundation ensures structural integrity. Incorporation of wooden elements, including shou-sugi-ban finishes, adds both visual interest and weather resistance. The prefabricated design reduces ecological impact and minimizes installation time, allowing for customization through varied exterior finishes that align with local architectural styles. Weatherproofing measures are integrated to ensure functionality across diverse climatic conditions.

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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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