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Dynamic Foldable Structures Crafted From Local Timber for Community Engagement in Natural Settings

Author:
Jimena González
Dynamic Foldable Structures Crafted From Local Timber for Community Engagement in Natural Settings

Project in-detail

Dynamic foldable walls constructed from locally sourced timber create adaptable cabins that enhance community interaction while providing essential shelter for hikers in Latvia's forests.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dynamic wall systems allow for versatile spatial configurations.
02
Utilizes locally sourced cross-laminated timber for sustainable construction.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Asymmetrical bent A-frame design integrates with the forest landscape.
05
Designed to foster community interaction among hikers through shared spaces.

### Project Overview

The Dancing Cabins project is situated in the forests of Latvia, strategically located along scenic trails that connect to the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga. The cabins are designed to enhance the experiences of hikers by providing rest and shelter while fostering a close relationship with the surrounding natural environment. The architectural design reflects the rhythms and movements of traditional Latvian folk dances, aiming to create a unique sheltering experience within the landscape.

### Spatial Configuration and User Engagement

The cabins feature dynamic walls that can be adjusted to suit the needs of occupants, promoting optimal ventilation and light while shielding users from adverse weather conditions. This adaptability not only contributes to user comfort but also aligns with principles of sustainability. Positioned at intervals along hiking trails—approximately every 25 to 30 kilometers—the cabins serve as communal touchpoints, facilitating interactions between hikers and local communities. Each cabin design incorporates communal spaces that encourage socialization, thereby enriching the overall user experience.

### Material Selection and Structural Efficiency

The material palette for the Dancing Cabins emphasizes local sourcing and environmental compatibility. The predominant use of wood, including plywood and wood panels, integrates the structures harmoniously within their natural context. Glass elements within the walls enhance natural light and connect occupants with the outdoor environment. The structural system employs wooden joists and concrete or stone foundations, ensuring stability while allowing for design versatility. This focus on sustainable materials and construction practices not only enhances the buildings' thermal performance but also minimizes ecological impact, contributing to a more responsible use of resources within the forest 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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