Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Floating Cabins on Caramel Shores with Disassembled Wood Structure

Authors:
Junhyung Choi, Hyunji Choi, Yelim Oh
Floating Cabins on Caramel Shores with Disassembled Wood Structure

Project in-detail

Floating above a unique caramel shore, the cabins utilize disassembled wood structure to create a harmonious living experience that connects occupants with the surrounding wilderness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating cabins are designed to engage with the natural landscape while minimizing their footprint.
02
Constructed using disassembled wood, enhancing sustainability and reducing construction waste.
03
Cabins feature an exposed structural frame that maximizes natural light and outdoor views.
04
Connected pathways promote exploration and access to local canoeing and hiking routes.
05
The design incorporates private outdoor spaces for dining and relaxation, integrating nature into daily activities.

Levitation is located in Skrunda, Latvia, surrounded by one of Europe’s most vibrant natural environments, rich with rivers and greenery. The design is inspired by traditional Latvian houses that appear to float above the landscape. This concept aims to create cabins that foster a connection between architecture and the wild, allowing people to engage more deeply with nature.

Concept and Design Philosophy

The project revolves around the theme of levitation, reflecting both the vulnerabilities and strengths of the surrounding land. It recognizes challenges like flooding and uneven surfaces while promoting a relationship between humans and the wilderness. The design encourages interaction with the environment, presenting a light and approachable form rather than a bulky architectural presence.

Materiality and Construction

Disassembled wood serves as a primary material, bringing the floating cabins to life. This choice enhances the visual lightness and creates a sense of connection to the outdoors. The structures feature an exposed frame that invites natural light, making the interiors feel open and integrated with the outside world.

Outdoor Integration and Amenities

The layout encourages a blend of indoor and outdoor living, with cabin roof designs designed to let in sunlight and maintain a strong feeling of nature. Pathways provide easy access for guests, inviting them to explore the beautiful landscape while connecting to local routes for canoeing and hiking.

Each cabin includes various amenities to cater to both communal gatherings and private moments. There are private gardens, outdoor dining areas, and baths, allowing occupants to enjoy the outdoors in comfort. Features like an outdoor movie theater create chances for social interactions, balancing community life with personal space.

This careful approach ensures the cabins integrate into the landscape, with elements designed for functionality and to strengthen the connection between the occupants and the natural beauty of Latvia's wild environment.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy