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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Timber Cabins Reimagining Creative Living Spaces

Authors:
Shutian Wang, Xuefei Tian, Junyi Zhao
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Timber Cabins Reimagining Creative Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and modular timber cabins, the design fosters an environment tailored for artists seeking creative solitude and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Modular cabin design allows for seasonal reconfiguration based on resident needs.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency and insulation.
04
Emphasizes a bent A-frame design to maximize interior space and natural light.
05
Integrates natural barriers to create intimate spaces within the larger landscape.

The architectural design project "Floatage" presents a unique approach to residential living, specifically catering to writers and artists seeking a balance between solitude and community engagement. Situated in the natural landscapes of Latvia, the project embodies the essence of poetically inspired architecture. The concept revolves around modular living units referred to as "poet's cabins" that are strategically distributed throughout a pastoral setting, intuitively resembling boats floating on water.

The project includes essential components: a central host living space for communal gatherings, individual poet's cabins for creative solitude, movable mechanical designs for functional flexibility, and a shared entertainment space that encourages collective interaction. The architecture emphasizes the relationship between the built environment and nature, promoting well-being, creativity, and communal life.

Unique Design Approaches

A defining aspect of "Floatage" is its flexible and dynamic layout. Each poet's cabin is designed to be mobile, allowing residents to reposition units based on seasonal conditions or desired levels of interaction. This adaptability reflects the poetic nature of the project, enabling an organic interaction between inhabitants and their environment. The design prioritizes the thorough integration of local materials, primarily timber, glass, and steel, which not only aligns with sustainable practices but also harmonizes with the Latvian cultural context.

The architect's decision to employ timber as the primary construction material fosters a connection with local craftsmanship while ensuring durability. Generous use of glass in windows and sliding doors enhances the indoor-outdoor relationship, flooding the interiors with natural light and providing scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Steel components support mechanical functions, enabling the cabins’ mobility without compromising structural integrity.

Architectural Details and Functionality

The layout of "Floatage" is methodically organized to support both communal living and personal retreat. Central to the design is a gathering space dedicated to culinary activities and social events, fostering community engagement. Surrounding this central hub are the poet's cabins, configured in various designs to accommodate differing numbers of residents, from single units to larger family-style cabins.

Architectural details such as flexible workspaces within each cabin, efficient storage solutions, and strategically positioned outdoor terraces contribute to the overall functionality. The thoughtful integration of natural barriers, such as trees and hedges, enhances privacy and creates intimate nooks for reflection and creativity.

The unique design approach, combined with its careful material selection and functional layout, makes "Floatage" a significant contribution to contemporary architecture in Latvia. It represents an architectural endeavor that values both individual creativity and communal interaction.

For an in-depth exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and designs of the "Floatage" project, we encourage readers to review the complete presentation for a comprehensive understanding of these architectural ideas.

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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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