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Elevated Timber Shelter with Flexible Community Spaces

Authors:
Eszter Kaderják, Célia Erdős, Máté Novák, Ferenc Vértesi
Elevated Timber Shelter with Flexible Community Spaces

Project in-detail

With its elevated sleeping areas and multifunctional timber benches, this design offers trekkers a flexible shelter that harmonizes with the natural landscape while providing essential communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated sleeping areas enhance privacy and comfort for trekkers.
02
Versatile benches serve multiple functions, including sleeping and storage.
03
A metal grid floor simplifies cleaning and maintains a tidy communal space.
04
Construction primarily uses locally sourced timber to minimize environmental impact.
05
Design reflects traditional Latvian architecture while addressing modern needs.

Latvia Amber Road is set in a scenic landscape characterized by the Baltic Sea and lush forests. This design serves as a refuge for trekkers, providing a space that aligns with the natural environment. Emphasizing a connection to the local area, the overall concept blends traditional Latvian architecture with practical features suited for outdoor enthusiasts.

Design Concept

The vision focuses on creating a structure that feels part of its environment. With a gable roof and straightforward lines, the design reflects the simplicity found in traditional villages. This choice helps the building fit naturally into the picturesque surroundings, showing respect for the landscape and local heritage.

Interior Functionality

Inside, the layout is adaptable to accommodate varying group sizes. Benches can be used in multiple ways: as beds, tables, or storage areas. This flexibility allows visitors to customize their space as needed, fostering a sense of community while ensuring comfort. The design prioritizes efficiency and usability, providing a welcoming atmosphere for trekkers.

Storage Solutions

Thoughtful storage solutions enhance the functionality of the building. Under the benches, there are designated spaces for shoes and firewood. This organization keeps the communal area tidy and promotes cleanliness. Additionally, the sleeping area is elevated, offering some separation from the main space, which encourages privacy for those resting.

Material Selection

Timber is the main construction material, favored for its lightweight nature and ease of use. This choice aligns with sustainable practices, as it reduces waste and energy consumption during the building process. Using local materials underscores a commitment to environmental responsibility, allowing the structure to connect with its setting.

The communal space features a metal grid floor, which simplifies cleaning and maintenance. This practical detail enhances the experience for users who spend time outdoors, ensuring the area remains functional and inviting.

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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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