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Elevated Timber Cabins Featuring Sustainable Rainwater Harvesting and Communal Design

Authors:
Chris Dawson, Jan Baros, Klara Konecna, Rob Jones
Elevated Timber Cabins Featuring Sustainable Rainwater Harvesting and Communal Design

Project in-detail

Elevated on stilts to integrate with the Baltic landscape, these timber cabins utilize local materials and rainwater harvesting systems to create sustainable communal spaces for trekkers exploring the region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design prevents flooding while providing uninterrupted views of the Baltic landscape.
02
Constructed entirely from locally sourced timber to minimize environmental impact.
03
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water usage.
04
Modular structure allows for flexible accommodations tailored to group sizes.
05
Features communal spaces to enhance social interaction among trekkers.

Amber Road Trekking Cabins is an architectural project designed to provide accommodation for trekkers along the Baltic Sea in Latvia. This development responds to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts by creating a series of modular cabins that blend into the natural landscape. The design emphasizes functionality, sustainability, and a profound respect for the local environment and cultural heritage.

The project symbolizes a connection between individuals and nature, promoting the idea of freedom and exploration. Each cabin serves as a temporary retreat, allowing users to immerse themselves in the surrounding scenery while fostering community through shared spaces. The architecture consists of adaptive modules that can accommodate varying group sizes and activities, introducing flexibility for different user needs.

Design Features and Unique Approaches

The architectural design incorporates local timber as its primary material, reflecting traditional Latvian construction methods and enhancing the project's sustainability. The use of wood framing and finished planks not only provides aesthetic appeal but also supports environmental goals by utilizing renewable resources. The cabins are elevated on stilts, protecting them from potential flooding while providing unobstructed views of the natural landscape.

A hallmark of the Amber Road Trekking Cabins is their modularity. Each unit can function independently or be combined with others, allowing for different configurations that adapt to diverse camping experiences. This flexibility makes the project unique compared to standard lodging facilities, which often have fixed layouts. Further, communal spaces are included to encourage social interaction among visitors, cultivating a sense of community.

Environmental considerations are embedded in the project’s design through multiple features. The roofs are engineered to collect rainwater, which can be filtered for use, demonstrating a commitment to resource management. Indoor heating is provided by wood stoves, promoting a cozy atmosphere during colder seasons while minimizing energy consumption.

Sustainable Building Approach

The Amber Road Trekking Cabins emphasize durability and longevity in construction. Wooden materials are selected for their ability to age well and integrate seamlessly with the environment over time. This natural aging process aligns with the project’s philosophy of coexistence with nature, supporting the notion that architecture should enhance rather than detract from its surroundings.

Incorporating single glass windows maximizes natural light, reducing the need for artificial illumination and contributing to energy efficiency. The design promotes accessibility to the picturesque settings, allowing occupants to engage actively with their environment.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and underlying architectural ideas behind Amber Road Trekking Cabins, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. The details outlined provide deeper insights into the design’s functionality and its commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

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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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