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Charred Wooden Shingles and Elevated Cabins Creating Sustainable Retreats Along the Venta River

Authors:
Tuğçenur Kars, Meryem Öztürk, Müşerref yaren Soylu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Elevated Cabins Creating Sustainable Retreats Along the Venta River

Project in-detail

Elevated cabins crafted with charred wooden shingles provide a sustainable retreat along the Venta River, offering travelers a unique blend of privacy and community within a thoughtfully designed environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins utilize charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Elevated design minimizes land impact and provides privacy among structures.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels improve structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Community kitchen encourages social interaction among guests in shared spaces.
05
Proximity to the Venta River enhances recreational opportunities for travelers.
The project "Inspire Venta" is an architectural endeavor located in Skrunda, Latvia, designed to provide accommodation while promoting a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with nature. This project represents a blend of modern simplicity with traditional Latvian architectural styles, focusing on eco-friendly practices and minimal environmental impact. The principle function of this design is to serve as a serene getaway for travelers, offering both privacy and community engagement, all within a landscape that encourages interaction with the natural surroundings.

The site layout organizes the traveler cabins in a way that ensures ample privacy while allowing easy access to shared facilities. Each cabin, encompassing a compact 20 square meters, is designed with key living areas including a kitchenette, sleeping quarter, and bathroom. Large windows facilitate natural light and scenic views, enhancing the overall user experience. The project integrates sustainable technologies, such as solar panels and composting toilets, aligning with modern principles of environmental responsibility.

Design and Sustainability Features

What sets this project apart from typical tourist accommodations is its thoughtful integration of sustainable design features. The cabins are elevated on platforms to minimize ground disturbance, promoting ecological sensitivity. Preferring lightweight materials, the structure primarily utilizes timber, which not only reflects local building traditions but also ensures efficiency in construction. The inclusion of renewable energy features, such as solar panels, reduces reliance on conventional power sources, significantly diminishing the carbon footprint associated with travel.

Incorporating local materials reinforces community ties and showcases regional craftsmanship, further promoting cultural identity. The kitchen and dining facilities are communal, fostering social interactions among guests while providing access to essential amenities. This setup encourages the sharing of experiences and promotes a sense of belonging, which is often absent in conventional lodging options.

Architectural Integration and User Experience

The site plan emphasizes a balance between individual privacy and communal spaces, encouraging visitors to explore their surroundings. The arrangement of cabins in relation to social spaces is deliberate, enhancing the connection with nature while maintaining comfort. Carefully selected landscaping complements the architectural design, integrating pathways that enhance mobility without disrupting the natural habitat.

Visitors can engage with nature through recreational activities facilitated by the proximity of the Venta River, promoting an active lifestyle. The project successfully merges architecture with the environment, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability while providing quality accommodation for travelers.

For readers interested in the technical aspects, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide deeper insights into the innovative practices employed in this project. The unique architectural ideas showcased in "Inspire Venta" emphasize a model for future tourism developments, illustrating how thoughtful design can enhance both user experience and environmental stewardship.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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