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Elevated Cabins With Straw Envelopes Overlooking Nature

Authors:
Tomaž Krištof, Blaž Kandus, Jaka Korla, Alja Mišigoj
Elevated Cabins With Straw Envelopes Overlooking Nature

Project in-detail

Elevated above the ground, these cabins clad in thick straw envelopes provide a unique lodging experience, immersing guests in the natural beauty of the Latvian coast while promoting sustainability through renewable energy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes environmental impact while providing stunning views.
02
Thick straw envelopes serve as insulation and reflect traditional building methods.
03
Wind turbines generate renewable energy for USB chargers inside the cabins.
04
Connected outdoor spaces encourage interaction with the natural environment.
05
A distinctive round window offers immersive views of the coastal landscape.

Amber Road trekking cabins are situated along the Latvian coast, designed for those looking to connect with nature. They take the shape of traditional tents but are elevated off the ground, providing a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. The focus of the design is on creating simple shelter that allows for outdoor experiences without the distractions of modern life.

Sustainable Architecture

The design of these cabins highlights sustainability. They stand elevated on three wooden pillars, which supports the structure while minimizing its footprint on the environment. This height offers stunning views and a feeling of being in nature, as if the cabins are part of the landscape rather than an intrusion. This setup facilitates a sense of wilderness and temporary living, with an impression that visitors have arrived in a unique and essential space.

Material Choices

Thick straw envelopes form the walls of the cabins. This traditional building method provides insulation and reflects a commitment to using renewable resources. The cabins achieve energy efficiency by relying on natural cooling during summer and maintaining warmth in winter. These material choices show how the design aims to blend modern needs with eco-friendly practices.

Functional Integration

Connecting with the environment is a key part of the experience offered by the cabins. They include spaces for cooking and socializing outdoors, encouraging visitors to engage with nature in everyday activities. A round window acts as a visual link to the outside, providing views that enhance the occupants' connection to their surroundings. This design choice brings the outdoors in and highlights the natural beauty of the area.

Design Element

A wind turbine provides renewable energy to the cabins, generating power for USB chargers. This feature illustrates the balance between traditional architecture and modern energy solutions. The combination of natural materials and innovative technology creates a thoughtful structure that reflects the importance of living in harmony with nature. It serves as a gentle reminder of how simple shelter can meet contemporary needs while respecting the 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

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