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Charred Wooden Shingles And Red-White Cladding Define A Coastal Retreat

Author:
David Hgrant
Charred Wooden Shingles And Red-White Cladding Define A Coastal Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and vibrant red-white cladding, the beach cabin in Jurmala offers a sustainable retreat that harmonizes with its coastal setting while providing essential spaces for relaxation and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a gabled roof for enhanced natural ventilation.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates large glazing for unobstructed beach views and daylight.
04
Constructed using cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable efficiency.
05
Features a vibrant red-white color scheme reflecting local cultural identity.

## Architectural Design Report: Beach Cabin in Jurmala, Latvia

### Project Overview

Located in Jurmala, Latvia, this beach cabin presents a contemporary interpretation of traditional coastal structures. The design incorporates a vibrant color palette that draws inspiration from the Latvian flag, aiming to create a functional retreat that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. The cabin is strategically positioned to ensure convenient access to the beach while promoting engagement with the adjacent coastal landscape.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The layout prioritizes open and adaptable spaces, facilitating a variety of uses for visitors. Internal areas include communal storage, seating, and designated spaces for bathing and social activities, reflecting the functional needs of beachgoers. The design promotes social interaction and relaxation, enhanced by large glazing elements that connect the interior with the outdoor environment, allowing ample daylight and views of the beach.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Materials were selected with a focus on sustainability and local sourcing. The exterior and interior walls feature timber cladding, providing a natural aesthetic while ensuring durability against coastal weather. Large glass installations bridge indoor and outdoor spaces, while prefabricated structural components reduce on-site construction time and environmental impact. This approach not only underscores an eco-friendly design ethos but also supports efficient assembly and transport, further minimizing disruption to the natural surroundings.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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