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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Cabins Nestled in the Latvian Forest

Author:
Don Shepperson
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Cabins Nestled in the Latvian Forest

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber form a minimalist shelter that harmonizes with the Latvian forest, providing a sustainable retreat for hikers along the ancient Amber Road.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while blending with the forest environment.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength and rapid assembly.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes space and facilitates rainwater runoff.
04
Elevated foundations minimize ecological impact and prevent moisture damage.
05
Amber glass integrates natural light and reflects local cultural heritage.

### Overview

The Amber Road Trekking Cabins are strategically located along the Amber Road in Latvia, designed to accommodate trekking enthusiasts while reflecting the region's natural and cultural context. The architectural intent is to create functional living spaces that respect the environment and evoke the historical significance of the area, incorporating sustainable practices throughout the design.

### Architectural Concept

The cabins feature a geometric design that draws inspiration from traditional Latvian architecture, notably characterized by steeply pitched roofs and angular elevations. This approach not only reinforces a connection to regional vernacular forms but also incorporates modern aesthetics to enhance shelter and safety within the wooded landscape. The arrangement promotes a sense of refuge, integrating living spaces with the surrounding environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials plays a vital role in achieving aesthetic and functional objectives. Predominantly constructed from:

- **Wood Shingle Cladding**: Enhances natural insulation and helps the cabins blend into the forest environment.
- **Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) Panels**: Provide structural strength and facilitate quick assembly, contributing to construction efficiency.
- **Concrete Piers**: Elevate the cabins off the ground, minimizing ecological impact and preventing moisture accumulation.
- **Amber Tinted Glass**: Offers warm interior lighting and nods to the region’s historical connection to amber.

This project further emphasizes sustainability through the use of local materials, which lowers the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supports renewable resources. The modular design allows for flexibility in assembly, making it suitable for various guest arrangements while ensuring low disruption to the landscape during construction.

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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

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