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 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
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

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 #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

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