Get inspired!

17,367 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Photovoltaic Roofs Supporting Eco-Friendly Trekking Cabins

Authors:
Danya Li, Maddie Laberge
Charred Wooden Shingles and Photovoltaic Roofs Supporting Eco-Friendly Trekking Cabins

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and equipped with photovoltaic panels, the cabins offer sustainable accommodations for trekkers navigating the Baltic coastline.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins feature charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes solar panel efficiency and ventilation.
04
Integrated rainwater harvesting systems support sustainable water management.
05
Each cabin includes compostable toilets, promoting eco-friendly waste solutions.
The Amber Road Trekking Cabins project represents a thoughtful architectural solution designed to serve hikers traversing a significant route along the Baltic coast in Latvia. The project is conceived as a series of modular cabins that integrate with the natural landscape while providing essential accommodations for trekkers. This architectural design focuses on creating a comfortable and sustainable environment, with particular attention to functionality, aesthetics, and environmental impact.

Modular units form the basis of the design, catering to groups of various sizes while ensuring efficient use of space. Each cabin includes sleeping areas, basic cooking facilities, and communal spaces, promoting both privacy and community among users. The careful placement of large windows fosters a strong connection with the surrounding environment, allowing natural light to permeate interior spaces. The use of local materials, primarily wood and concrete, aligns the cabins with their geographical context, minimizing travel footprints and enhancing the aesthetic integration with the site.

Sustainable Design Features

The Amber Road Trekking Cabins incorporate several unique design approaches that distinguish them from conventional cabin designs. A significant aspect is the emphasis on sustainability. The cabins are constructed from locally sourced timber and feature concrete foundations that contribute to thermal stability. These materials not only minimize environmental impact but also reinforce the buildings’ durability against the coastal climate.

The roofs are designed with a distinctive sloped configuration, supporting the installation of photovoltaic panels to harness solar energy. This feature significantly reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Rainwater collection systems are also integrated into the design, allowing for efficient water management, which is critical in remote locations. The design includes gray water recycling systems, enhancing the sustainability of water usage for non-potable purposes.

Interior Spaces and User-Centric Design

The interior layout of each cabin is strategically planned to optimize space and functionality. Sleeping arrangements are designed to accommodate up to four individuals, with a focus on comfort and privacy. Communal areas are incorporated to facilitate social interactions among users, fostering a sense of community among trekkers. The choice of wood for interior finishes adds warmth to the aesthetic, complementing the natural landscape outside.

Unique to this project is the incorporation of compostable toilets, which prioritize environmentally friendly waste management solutions. This design decision reflects a holistic approach to sustainability and user convenience, addressing potential ecological concerns associated with increased foot traffic in the area.

The architectural plans and sections of the Amber Road Trekking Cabins illustrate a clear synthesis of design, sustainability, and user experience. For further insights, reviewing the architectural designs and ideas will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the innovative solutions implemented throughout the project. Explore the project presentation to discover all the design elements that make this architectural endeavor a notable contribution to the landscape of the Baltic coast.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,367 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy