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Cross-Laminated Timber Cabin Featuring Built-In Rainwater Harvesting System in Coastal Latvia

Authors:
Jade Pollard, Vicky Tippell
Cross-Laminated Timber Cabin Featuring Built-In Rainwater Harvesting System in Coastal Latvia

Project in-detail

Constructed with cross-laminated timber and designed to incorporate a rainwater harvesting system, the coastal cabin offers a sustainable living solution tailored for seasonal use in Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural integrity and insulation.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for self-sufficient water usage.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for durability and weather resistance.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure for dynamic spatial experience.
05
Utilizes foldable sleeping platforms to maximize efficient use of space.

### Overview

The sustainable cabin is located in Latvia, designed to meet the demands of varying seasonal climates while integrating with the natural environment. The project emphasizes low maintenance and functionality through the application of sustainable practices and material usage.

### Spatial Strategy

The cabin features a layout that distinguishes between public and private areas, enhancing user experience and comfort. A covered porch facilitates interaction and provides shelter from the elements, while an entrance area minimizes environmental infiltration, enhancing hygiene and accessibility through the integration of a composting toilet. Flexible sleeping arrangements, such as foldable platforms, contribute to efficient space utilization, enhancing privacy without compromising functionality.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The use of materials is a defining characteristic of the cabin’s design. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) serves as the primary structural element, offering lightness and thermal efficiency while ensuring integration with the forested landscape. Siberian larch cladding complements the natural surroundings with its weather-resistant properties, while a concrete base provides stability in the coastal environment. Triple glazing enhances insulation and allows for ample natural light, supporting energy efficiency.

Sustainable practices are integral to the project, featuring a rainwater harvesting system that promotes self-sufficiency and minimizes dependence on external water sources. The possible inclusion of solar panels contributes to energy efficiency, while the selected materials are durable and low-maintenance, addressing the climatic challenges of the area while ensuring the longevity of the structure. The cabin's adaptable orientation accommodates varying site conditions, thereby allowing for privacy while fostering community engagement through its thoughtful layout design.

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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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