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Cross-Laminated Timber Cabin Blending Seamlessly With The Baltic Landscape

Authors:
Nicholas Mostovac, Kyle Leroux
Cross-Laminated Timber Cabin Blending Seamlessly With The Baltic Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with cross-laminated timber and designed in an A-frame structure, the cabin integrates into the Baltic forest while providing a functional retreat for hikers on the Amber Road Trail.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced cross-laminated timber, the cabin emphasizes sustainability.
02
The bent A-frame design enhances structural efficiency while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and integrate with the natural environment.
04
Large windows strategically frame panoramic views of the surrounding Latvian forest.
05
Modular construction allows for minimal site disruption and efficient assembly.

### Overview

The Amber Road Trekking Cabin is situated along the Amber Road Trail in Latvia and aims to enhance the hiking experience through a thoughtful integration of natural elements and cultural narratives. This design serves as a communal space for hikers, facilitating a connection to the surrounding landscape while fostering individual and shared storytelling. Drawing inspiration from the historical significance of Baltic amber, the cabin acts as a repository for collective memory, inviting visitors to engage with their surroundings meaningfully.

### Form and Materiality

The cabin features a prominent triangular shape that pays homage to traditional Latvian architectural forms, combining local aesthetic with structural stability. An A-frame configuration is employed to effectively manage rainwater and snow accumulation, pertinent to the region's climatic conditions. The primary framework consists of cross-laminated timber (CLT), selected for its renewable properties, strength, and sustainability. Complementary materials, such as wood cladding and a weather-resistant fabric for roofing, are chosen for their ecological alignment, facilitating a seamless integration into the forested environment.

### User Experience and Environmental Integration

Large strategically positioned windows offer expansive views of the Latvian wilderness, enhancing interaction with nature while allowing for reflection and contemplation. The interior layout includes a communal area designed to encourage social engagement, with benches and tables fostering gatherings alongside individual alcoves for privacy. A central chimney provides adequate heating, creating a welcoming atmosphere during colder months. The cabin’s construction employs a modular approach, enabling prefabrication off-site to minimize environmental disruption and support sustainable construction practices. Over time, the building's exterior will evolve due to natural exposure, thereby enriching its narrative and enhancing the user experience as it harmoniously coexists with the surrounding landscape.

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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
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