Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Dynamic Cabins with Pivoting Walls Constructed of Engineered Timber and Glass in a Forest Setting

Author:
Jimena González
Dynamic Cabins with Pivoting Walls Constructed of Engineered Timber and Glass in a Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Pivoting walls crafted from engineered timber seamlessly blend with the forest landscape, creating an interactive retreat designed for hikers seeking a unique connection to nature and culture.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabins feature pivoting walls that adjust for optimal light and ventilation.
02
Constructed with engineered timber and charred wooden shingles, the design enhances durability and aesthetics.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for efficient rainwater drainage and snow management.
04
Each cabin is elevated on wooden pilings, minimizing ground impact and preserving the natural landscape.
05
Incorporating cultural dance movements as inspiration, the architecture fosters a unique connection to Latvian heritage.
The Dancing Cabins architectural project presents an innovative approach to harmonizing human activity with the natural environment in Latvia. This initiative revolves around creating a set of cabins that foster interaction with nature while embodying the cultural significance rooted in traditional Latvian dance. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, these cabins serve not only as resting spots but also as reflections of local heritage and modern sustainable practices.

The essence of the Dancing Cabins lies in their commitment to blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest landscape. By drawing inspiration from the fluid movements of traditional dance, the architecture symbolically mirrors the dynamism of nature. The project embodies a celebration of cultural expressions, all the while promoting a strong connection within the community and fostering an appreciation of the natural world.

Functionally, the Dancing Cabins are designed to accommodate individuals and groups who seek respite amidst nature. The layout includes both communal and private spaces, allowing for social interaction as well as quiet reflection. Each cabin features dynamic walls that can pivot and adjust based on weather conditions. This adaptability not only enhances user comfort but also optimizes energy efficiency by allowing natural ventilation and light into the space. Furthermore, the cabins are elevated to minimize ground disturbance, employing wooden pilings that reflect a commitment to environmentally respectful building practices.

The materials chosen for the project play a crucial role in both aesthetics and functionality. Engineered timber serves as the primary construction material, providing warmth and a sense of security. It also aligns well with sustainable architecture principles. The inclusion of glass elements promotes transparency, allowing occupants to maintain visual connections with the surrounding environment while capitalizing on natural light. Steel frames offer the necessary structural support while ensuring durability against environmental factors.

The roof design features a sloping profile that effectively channels rainwater and snow, enhancing the overall sustainability of the cabins. The careful orientation of the cabins is based on meticulous solar exposure analysis, enabling optimal use of sunlight. These sustainable design elements reflect a desire to maintain a minimal ecological footprint while promoting energy efficiency throughout the year.

The unique design approach taken in the Dancing Cabins project highlights the importance of cultural context and environmental integration. By incorporating traditional elements into a contemporary architectural language, the design invites users to engage with their surroundings in a meaningful way. The cabins not only provide shelter but also serve as a medium for cultural exchange, encouraging a deeper understanding of local customs and traditions.

In exploring the intricate details of the Dancing Cabins, one can examine architectural plans that reveal the thoughtful configuration of spaces, architectural sections showcasing structural decisions, and architectural designs that demonstrate the project’s commitment to sustainability and cultural representation. This analysis of the Dancing Cabins underscores the potential for architecture to create spaces that foster connection, appreciation, and warmth, resonating with both the environment and the community.

Readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the visual and conceptual aspects of this project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented within the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of this thoughtful architectural endeavor.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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