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Elevated Cabins Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Glazed Facades for Nature Immersion

Author:
David Grant
Elevated Cabins Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Glazed Facades for Nature Immersion

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and expansive glazed facades define elevated cabins that seamlessly integrate with their forested surroundings, providing trekkers with a unique retreat that fosters a deep connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a distinct aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural strength and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design facilitates natural ventilation and rainwater drainage.
04
Elevated foundations optimize views and minimize ground disturbance.
05
Modular construction allows for rapid assembly on-site and adaptability to various terrains.

## Project Overview

The Amber Route Trekking Cabins are situated along the Baltic Sea in Latvia, designed to accommodate trekking enthusiasts while harmonizing with the region's natural environment. The design integrates contemporary architectural elements with the local landscape, promoting an immersive experience in the coastal and forested surroundings. The intention is to create functional and comfortable lodging that respects the site's unique ecological context.

### Spatial Strategy

The cabins feature elevated structures that provide unobstructed views of the forest and sea, fostering an interaction between the built environment and nature. The sloping roof design enhances both the visual appeal and practical aspects, such as natural ventilation and water drainage. Internally, the layout prioritizes open spaces and minimal walls, allowing for expansive interiors that enhance the sense of space. Multifunctional furniture further increases adaptability, accommodating a variety of guest activities.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The architectural integrity of the cabins is underpinned by a deliberate selection of materials, emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing. The primary material, Latvian timber, forms the outer shell and internal structures, promoting environmental responsibility. Glazed frames facilitate natural light entry and broad views, while wooden panels create a warm atmosphere within the living spaces. The cabins are designed for prefabrication, streamlining construction through rapid assembly on-site and allowing for customization to meet site-specific requirements. This method supports efficiency while ensuring that each structure responds appropriately to its surroundings.

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

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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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