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Circular Cabins With Sustainable Wood and Copper Roofing Integrated Into Natural Landscapes

Authors:
Reimi Hayakawa, Naoto Takamura, Nayuta Kudou
Circular Cabins With Sustainable Wood and Copper Roofing Integrated Into Natural Landscapes

Project in-detail

Constructed with circular forms and sustainable wood, these cabins seamlessly blend with the Latvian landscape to provide spaces for reading and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each cabin's circular design maximizes natural light and provides panoramic views of the landscape.
02
Sustainable wood construction includes cross-laminated timber panels, ensuring durability and eco-friendliness.
03
Charred wooden shingles create a weather-resistant exterior while integrating aesthetic harmony with nature.
04
The bent A-frame structure enhances stability while allowing for versatile interior configurations.
05
The project promotes community interaction by serving as both lodging and a communal reading space.

## Architectural Report on the "Amber Rings" Project

### Overview

The project is situated in Latvia's natural landscapes and aims to integrate human experiences with nature and literature. Designed as ring-shaped cabins positioned along pathways, these structures serve dual functions as lodging and community libraries. The concept emphasizes the interconnectedness between the local environment and cultural practices, particularly the act of storytelling, hence creating spaces that encourage interaction among visitors and residents.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction

The architectural design features a circular form that contrasts with traditional rectangular structures, aligning more organically with the surrounding landscape. This shape facilitates an open layout that accommodates various activities such as reading, socializing, and educational pursuits, all of which enhance the user experience. Large windows invite ample natural light, promoting a sense of connection to the forested environment. Each cabin functions not only as a shelter but also as a waypoint for travelers, fostering cultural exchange through shared stories and communal activities.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The cabins are constructed using sustainable materials that are responsive to the natural context. Key components include wood for structural integrity and warmth, extensive glass for visibility and natural lighting, copper for durability in roofing, and eco-friendly finishes that minimize environmental impact. This careful selection of materials reinforces the commitment to sustainability while aesthetically contributing to the overall design, ensuring that the structures harmonize with their 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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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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