Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Curvilinear Shelters Crafted From Birch Plywood with Live Edge Siding for Coastal Trekking

Author:
Michael Szczerepa
Curvilinear Shelters Crafted From Birch Plywood with Live Edge Siding for Coastal Trekking

Project in-detail

Crafted from birch plywood with live edge siding, these curvilinear cabins provide sustainable accommodations that harmonize with the Latvian coastline and enhance the trekking experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins utilize locally sourced birch plywood to enhance sustainability.
02
Live edge siding creates a natural aesthetic while minimizing waste.
03
Curvilinear design mirrors surrounding coastal landscapes for visual harmony.
04
Wood-burning fireplaces reduce reliance on external energy sources.
05
Compact footprint allows for efficient land use and minimal environmental impact.

## Project Overview

Located along the coastlines of Latvia, the "Little Red Things" project introduces a series of lightweight, eco-friendly trekking cabins designed to blend with the natural environment. The intent is to provide functional living spaces that promote an immersive experience with the local ecosystem. Drawing inspiration from natural elements, these cabins reflect a commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness.

## Design Concept and Aesthetics

### Architectural Form and Space
The design is characterized by a striking red exterior and an angular roof that emulates the surrounding tree silhouettes, optimizing the shedding of rain and snow. The interior's curvilinear layout contrasts the exterior, using continuous lines and gentle curves to create an inviting atmosphere. This space planning enhances warmth and approachability for occupants. Symbolically, the cabins are reminiscent of amber washed ashore, fostering a relationship between the structures and their coastal context.

### Interior Features and Layout
Accommodating up to four guests within approximately 12 square meters, the cabins feature vertical space optimization through two single bunk beds and an additional loft area. Common areas include a dining space and a kitchen section with a wood-burning fireplace, which serves a dual purpose of warmth and cooking. Large windows facilitate natural light and outdoor views, enhancing user engagement with the surroundings. A folding door provides access to an outdoor deck, promoting interaction with the natural landscape.

## Materiality and Sustainability

### Material Selection
The cabins utilize birch plywood for their vertical structure and interior features, providing both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. The inclusion of 120mm of closed-cell rigid insulation ensures thermal efficiency, crucial for comfort in the coastal climate. Live edge siding connects the cabins to their environment while reflecting the local texture. The wood-burning fireplace allows for a sustainable heating source, utilizing locally sourced firewood.

### Energy Efficiency Commitment
The project emphasizes minimizing environmental impact through careful material choices and design principles that enhance energy efficiency. This approach contributes to a reduced carbon footprint, aligning with contemporary goals of sustainable architectural practice. The overall design reflects a strategic integration of functionality and ecological responsibility, exemplifying sustainable living in a coastal setting.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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