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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Sustainable Shelter Along The E9 Trek

Authors:
Olivia Peel, Grace Oliver
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Sustainable Shelter Along The E9 Trek

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design offers a sustainable shelter that harmonizes with the natural landscape along the E9 trek, providing essential accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber for structural strength and sustainability, reducing carbon footprint.
03
Features retractable mosquito screens for seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity.
04
Designed with an adaptable sleeping platform to accommodate varying group sizes.
05
Integrates service cores efficiently to support essential amenities within a compact footprint.

# Architectural Design Analysis Report: Cabin Obscura

## Overview

Cabin Obscura is positioned along the E9 trek on the Baltic coastline of Latvia, serving as a functional shelter for trekkers while promoting a connection to the natural environment. The design responds to the needs of outdoor adventurers by offering essential comforts that enhance their overall experience. This analysis examines the key architectural aspects, including spatial organization, material selection, and user interaction.

## Spatial Organization and Interior Features

The spatial configuration of Cabin Obscura facilitates versatile accommodation options.

- **Sleeping Platform**: The adaptable sleeping platform can cater to individual hikers or small groups, fostering a sense of community among occupants.
- **Retractable Mosquito Screens**: These features open the cabin to the outdoors, allowing natural breezes and enhancing activities such as dining and socializing.
- **Service Cores**: Essential facilities are integrated within the design, including a wood-burning stove for heating, indoor and outdoor sinks for washing, and water storage to support daily activities.

Multiple outdoor spaces, including hammocks and gathering areas, further promote interaction with the surrounding landscape, enhancing the overall user experience.

## Material Selection and Environmental Integration

Cabin Obscura incorporates locally sourced materials that align with sustainable building practices:

- **Exterior Cladding**: Weather-resistant Latvian Pine provides a durable outer layer.
- **Structural Framing**: Timber frame construction employs Latvian Pine to ensure strength and longevity.
- **Interior Cladding**: Warmth and coziness are achieved with 15mm Latvian Pine.
- **Roofing**: Timber shingles contribute to a traditional aesthetic while maintaining durability.
- **Insulation Layer**: Wood fiber insulation offers thermal efficiency and eco-friendliness.
- **Doors and Windows**: Double-glazed timber windows maximize natural light and enhance aesthetic appeal.

The thoughtful selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability while reinforcing the project’s relationship with the local context.

## User Interaction and Community Impact

Cabin Obscura is designed to elevate the traditional camping experience by ensuring comfort without compromising immersion in nature. The layout encourages social engagement and relaxation, refreshing perceptions of outdoor activities.

By establishing a series of cabins along the E9 trek, the design promotes local tourism and positively impacts regional economies. Additionally, Cabin Obscura serves as a reference point for future sustainable residential concepts, reinforcing the importance of environmentally integrated architecture.

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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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