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Elevated Cabin With Eco-Friendly Timber and Rainwater Harvesting Along The Baltic Landscape

Authors:
Muriel Ferneini, Lama Sawma
Elevated Cabin With Eco-Friendly Timber and Rainwater Harvesting Along The Baltic Landscape

Project in-detail

The elevated design utilizes locally sourced timber and integrates a rainwater harvesting system to provide a sustainable lodging experience for hikers exploring the unique landscapes along the Amber Road in Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated on stilts, the cabin minimizes ecological disruption while offering panoramic views.
02
Locally sourced timber is used extensively, enhancing sustainability and reducing transportation impact.
03
A rainwater harvesting system provides essential water needs, promoting self-sufficiency.
04
Fishnet hammocks transform indoor spaces into versatile living areas, blending comfort with functionality.
05
Integrated bird habitats support local wildlife, reinforcing the project's commitment to ecological stewardship.

### Project Overview

Located along the Amber Road in Latvia, this elevated lodging cabin is designed to accommodate hikers while fostering a connection with the surrounding natural landscape. Its elevated structure provides a sweeping view of Latvia's flat terrain, facilitating a unique observational experience amidst the local pine trees. The design focuses on enhancing user comfort and safety while minimizing environmental impact.

### Elevated Design and Spatial Strategy

The cabin is elevated on stilts, which prevents disruption to the local ecosystem and adds to the overall experience with panoramic views. Access is provided via a ladder that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, integrating seamlessly into the structure. Internally, the cabin features a carefully planned layout that separates semi-private sleeping areas from communal spaces, promoting interaction among users. Compact sleeping quarters maximize space without compromising comfort, and versatile fishnet hammocks serve as both sleeping accommodations and lounge areas, bridging the indoor and outdoor environments.

### Sustainable Materiality and Features

Sustainability is a core principle of the design, reflected in the choice of materials and integrated systems. Local timber is extensively used for its aesthetic appeal and structural durability, while a secondary timber framework enhances livability by providing support for wildlife habitats and creating a mosquito-proof environment. Photovoltaic panels are installed to harness solar energy for essential power needs, supported by a rainwater collection and filtration system that ensures access to clean water. These features collectively emphasize an eco-friendly approach, ensuring that the cabin operates sustainably and remains in harmony with its natural surroundings.

The design also allows for adaptation across various terrains along the Baltic Sea, contributing to a reduced environmental footprint. The cabin’s spatial organization encourages outdoor communal activities while fostering engagement with the natural environment, positioning it as a hub for awareness and appreciation of Latvia’s ecological heritage.

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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
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