Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Reflective Canopies Enhance Seasonal Retreats in Natural Timber Cabins

Authors:
Jacob Kackley, Miles Foster, Zachery Howser
Charred Wooden Shingles and Reflective Canopies Enhance Seasonal Retreats in Natural Timber Cabins

Project in-detail

Using charred wooden shingles and a reflective metal canopy, the design creates an adaptable retreat that harmonizes with Latvia's natural landscapes while providing essential shelter for trekkers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a distinct aesthetic.
02
Flexible fabric partitions allow for dynamic interior configurations based on occupant needs.
03
The elevated wooden floor design prevents moisture accumulation and promotes ventilation.
04
Reflective metal canopies optimize thermal performance and visually connect the structure to the landscape.
05
Local timber sources emphasize sustainability and integrate the cabins with their environment.

## Overview

The Amber Road Trekking Cabins are located in Latvia's richly forested and marshy landscape, designed to reflect the country’s cultural celebrations, particularly the **Jāņi** festival. This initiative aims to facilitate a harmonious relationship between users and their natural surroundings through adaptable, multifunctional cabins that cater to trekkers and nature enthusiasts.

### Design Philosophy and Spatial Strategy

The project emphasizes adaptability and engagement with the environment, offering flexible spaces that adjust to seasonal changes and occupant preferences. The open-floor layout maximizes natural light and views, fostering a connection with the landscape. The architecture utilizes transparent materials and expansive openings to blur the line between indoors and outdoors, creating visual continuity with the natural setting.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The cabins employ locally sourced timber, reflecting Latvia's lumber heritage while promoting environmental sustainability. High-performance fabrics enable functional versatility, serving multiple purposes such as privacy and sun protection. A reflective metal canopy enhances thermal efficiency while adding an aesthetic element that resonates with the landscape. The inclusion of a raised wood slatted floor prevents moisture intrusion, ensuring a comfortable living space. Overall, the materials and construction methods prioritize renewable resources and energy efficiency, aligning with sustainable building practices.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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