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Elevated Living Amidst Nature With Glulam Frames and Sustainable Forest Integration

Author:
J Flores
Elevated Living Amidst Nature With Glulam Frames and Sustainable Forest Integration

Project in-detail

Constructed with glulam frames and situated above a sustainable forest, the design offers elevated living spaces that connect occupants to nature while enhancing community engagement through shared facilities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using glulam frames, enhancing strength and stability.
02
Utilizes the Miyawaki Method to create a native forest on site.
03
Cabins are elevated on steel stilts to provide exceptional views.
04
Integrated canal allows for recreational boating activities.
05
Curved frame design optimizes airflow and natural light.

The Cabin on Stilts is a contemporary design located in the green landscape of Latvia. It offers a living experience that connects closely with nature. The emphasis is on sustainability, aiming to blend the living space with the environment. By using the Miyawaki Method for planting native trees, the design enhances biodiversity and encourages visitors to interact with their surroundings.

SUSTAINABLE FOREST INTEGRATION

The concept focuses on merging the built and natural environments. Cabins are positioned to face the newly planted trees, creating a direct visual connection. The balconies look out over the expansive Latvian countryside. This layout invites people to engage with nature, enhancing their overall experience.

COMMUNITY AND ACCESSIBILITY

Community is an important part of the design. Shared spaces like a sauna and essential facilities are positioned along a canal formed by the nearby Venta River. This waterway serves functional purposes for recreation while also enhancing the scenic aspect of the site. A network of trails connects the cabins to these communal areas, promoting accessibility and social interaction among visitors.

STRUCTURAL INNOVATION

The cabins are built using modular construction techniques, utilizing glulam frames that are bolted together for strength. This method creates a sturdy yet lightweight structure. Additional support comes from timber purlins and plywood sheathing, enhancing overall durability. Zinc-plated metal panels cover the exterior, providing protection against weather while maintaining a modern look. Solar panels are included on the roof, maintaining a focus on energy efficiency and renewable resources.

DESIGN DETAILS

The design features a curved frame that allows wind to pass through efficiently, while also maximizing natural light inside the cabins. Balconies extend outward, offering close-up views of the landscape and improving ventilation. This careful design creates a connection between the interior space and the vibrant surroundings, allowing residents to feel immersed in the natural world.

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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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