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Driftwood Retreats Built on Local Materials Enhancing Coastal Biodiversity

Author:
Eric Senne
Driftwood Retreats Built on Local Materials Enhancing Coastal Biodiversity

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced driftwood and designed to enhance coastal biodiversity, these cabins offer trekkers a sustainable retreat that fosters community engagement and a deep connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from locally sourced driftwood, each cabin reflects the surrounding coastal environment.
02
The use of a bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and enhances structural stability.
03
Community members contribute materials, fostering local ownership and involvement in construction.
04
Cabins feature large windows that promote natural light and connect occupants to nature.
05
Sustainable landscaping integrates native flora, enhancing biodiversity around the retreat.

### Project Overview

The Amber Road Trekking Cabins are located in Latvia, a region characterized by its diverse natural landscapes, including forests and coastal areas. The project aims to provide outdoor accommodations that minimize environmental impact while encouraging community participation in the construction process. Drawing inspiration from renowned European trekking routes, the cabins are designed to enhance cultural interactions and promote outdoor activities for both locals and visitors, fostering a deeper appreciation of the surrounding environment.

### Design Integration and Community Engagement

The architectural design prioritizes user experience and environmental consciousness. Each cabin allows for individual contributions of materials, such as driftwood, creating a sense of ownership that strengthens community ties. The structural elements incorporate locally sourced timber and steel, ensuring durability while respecting ecological principles. The layout features open spaces that facilitate airflow and natural lighting, enhancing the overall ambiance. Accessible design elements, such as ramps and staircases, promote inclusivity for a wide range of users.

### Environmental and Contextual Considerations

Informed by a catalog of native Latvian plants, the landscaping integrates local flora to promote biodiversity and support wildlife. The cabins are strategically positioned to blend harmoniously with the natural terrain, minimizing ecological disturbance. The project's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its construction methods and material choices, emphasizing the use of local resources to reduce carbon footprints. The design also includes multifunctional spaces that adapt to user needs, reinforcing the connection between occupants and the natural environment.

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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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