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Charred Wooden Shingles and Rooftop Gardens Define Sustainable Cabins Nestled in Latvian Landscape

Authors:
Tamim Negm, Krista Skujina
Charred Wooden Shingles and Rooftop Gardens Define Sustainable Cabins Nestled in Latvian Landscape

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive rooftop gardens, the design offers sustainable cabins that facilitate engagement with Latvia's natural landscape while providing year-round accommodation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins feature integrated rooftop gardens that promote biodiversity and enhance user experience.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide natural weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Design incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for strength and sustainability.
04
High windows and generous eaves facilitate natural ventilation and interaction with the environment.
05
Pathways connect cabins to shared amenities, encouraging community engagement.

The Champignon Caramélisé project is an architectural design initiative located in Latvia, centered on creating cabins that resonate with the local landscape and cultural practices surrounding mushroom foraging. This project exemplifies a thoughtful integration of architecture and nature, showcasing how built environments can enhance and harmonize with their surroundings. Each cabin serves not only as accommodation but also as a platform for community interactions and engagement with the rich biodiversity of the region.

The design employs a range of sustainable materials that contribute to both functionality and aesthetics. The primary elements of the cabins include double monocoque timber structures that provide durability and flexibility, while charned timber finishes within the interiors introduce warmth and a natural ambiance. Additionally, the incorporation of large glass panels ensures panoramic views of the adjacent Venta River and surrounding fields, promoting a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Unique Design Approaches

A key feature that sets the Champignon Caramélisé project apart is the roof gardens atop each cabin. These gardens host diverse arrangements of local flora, reinforcing the integration of built environments with natural ecosystems. This initiative invites biodiversity, supporting pollinators and local wildlife, while enhancing the ecological footprint of the project. The design encourages seasonal engagement, adapting to the changing weather conditions often experienced in Latvia. Canopy overhangs provide protection from rain and snow, ensuring that outdoor spaces remain usable and inviting throughout the year.

Another distinctive aspect is the thoughtful spatial configuration that promotes community interaction. Pathways connect the individual cabins to shared facilities such as saunas and recreational areas, fostering opportunities for social activities among guests. The multi-use terraces on each cabin extend living spaces outdoors, encouraging occupants to engage with their natural surroundings.

Architectural Integration with Environment

The architectural design emphasizes natural ventilation through high windows and generous eaves, aligning with principles of sustainability and energy efficiency. By maximizing airflow, the project reduces reliance on mechanical climate control systems, thereby lowering environmental impact. The focus on local materials and traditional construction techniques further reinforces the relationship between the cabins and their geographical context.

In summary, the Champignon Caramélisé project illustrates a commitment to sustainable architecture that values cultural connections and ecological considerations. For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind this project, a comprehensive presentation is available that provides deeper insights into the unique features and thoughtful design approaches employed.

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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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