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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.

The Amber Route Trekking Cabins are an architectural project located along the Baltic Sea in Latvia, designed to provide comfortable accommodations for trekkers while promoting engagement with the surrounding landscape. The cabins embody a modern interpretation of traditional architecture, creating a harmonious relationship between built forms and the natural environment. The project emphasizes sustainability and functionality while offering an inviting space for outdoor enthusiasts.

Design aspects focus on the integration of the cabins with the local terrain. The elevated platforms create visual connections with scenic views of both the forest and sea, facilitating engagement with nature. The use of Latvian timber for construction aligns with sustainable building practices and reinforces the local character of the structures. Features such as large glazed frames enhance daylight penetration and maximize the immersive experience of the landscape.

Unique Characteristics

The design of the Amber Route Trekking Cabins incorporates several distinct architectural approaches. The pointed roofs serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, directing rainwater and enhancing natural ventilation within the spaces. This thoughtful detailing allows the cabins to withstand environmental conditions while promoting sustainability.

The strategic use of pre-fabrication is significant to the project’s execution. Modular components can be quickly assembled on-site, reducing construction time and impact on the landscape. This method provides flexibility in design implementation, allowing for customization based on specific site conditions. The architectural plans illustrate how these modules can adapt to various terrains, ensuring cohesion with the surrounding ecosystem.

Interior spaces have been designed to prioritize user comfort through open layouts and multi-functional furnishings. The absence of excessive barriers creates a sense of spaciousness, while versatile furniture enables various activities, from relaxation to social gatherings after a day of trekking.

Functional Aspects and Design Outcomes

The primary function of the Amber Route Trekking Cabins is to serve as a refuge for outdoor enthusiasts. Each cabin is thoughtfully designed to accommodate a range of needs, providing essential amenities while maintaining a connection to the external environment. The design promotes an ecological ethos, encouraging visitors to engage with the landscape in a sustainable manner.

Attention to materiality is critical to the project's identity. Incorporating regional resources not only supports local economies but also fosters a sense of place. Furthermore, the combination of wood and glass facilitates thermal efficiency and natural lighting, contributing to the overall functionality of the cabins.

For deeper insights into the architectural details and construction methodologies used in this project, explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs presented. These elements reveal the underlying ideas that shape the Amber Route Trekking Cabins and highlight their distinct role within the context of architectural practice in Latvia.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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