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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
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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