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Curvilinear Pathways and Charred Shingles Define Sustainable Hospitality Amid Natural Landscapes

Authors:
Lee Emma, Betty Zheng, Dennis Wang
Curvilinear Pathways and Charred Shingles Define Sustainable Hospitality Amid Natural Landscapes

Project in-detail

Curvilinear pathways weave through a landscape characterized by charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, creating a sustainable retreat that enhances the natural beauty of the Caramel Shore while serving as a comfortable accommodation for travelers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear pathways enhance connectivity while guiding visitors through the site’s natural features.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide a sustainable, fire-resistant exterior that blends with the landscape.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
04
A traditional sauna integrates local cultural practices within the retreat's wellness offerings.
05
Multi-functional outdoor spaces foster community engagement and social interaction among guests.

The Cobbles project, located in Skirinda, Latvia, is an architectural undertaking designed to facilitate a sustainable and community-focused environment for travelers. This project focuses on integrating built structures with the natural landscape, emphasizing both ecological considerations and local cultural elements. The aim is to create a venue that invites engagement with the surrounding environment while providing essential amenities for visitors and residents alike.

The primary function of The Cobbles is to serve as accommodation and community space along the Caramel Shore, near the Venta River. Key features of the project include a parking area, multi-functional shed, café spaces, traditional sauna, traveler cabins, and a boat dock. Each element is carefully considered to promote social interaction and enhance the overall experience of users within this natural context. The second stage of the project includes a restaurant space designed to accommodate a variety of community gatherings, further emphasizing the commitment to fostering an inviting atmosphere.

The architectural design incorporates several unique approaches that differentiate it from other similar projects. The use of organic forms and curvilinear pathways is crucial in creating a natural flow that connects various site components. This design method not only promotes navigation but also enhances users' interaction with the surrounding landscape. The integration of local materials, primarily timber and glass, reinforces the connection to the environment while ensuring sustainability through recyclable elements.

Additionally, the incorporation of a traditional wood-burning sauna situates The Cobbles within local cultural practices, adding depth to its design narrative. Sustainable practices are evident across the project, with features such as solar panels enhancing energy efficiency and passive heating strategies being implemented to achieve lower environmental impact.

Overall, The Cobbles project represents a thoughtful combination of architecture, sustainability, and community engagement. It meets functional needs through its facilities while allowing for an immersive experience in a natural setting. For more insights into the project, including architectural plans, sections, and design details, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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