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Fluorescent Paint-Covered Shelter Crafted From Sustainable Wood Panels Along The Amber Road

Authors:
Toru Kiuchi, Sayo Mitsuno, Akane Tameda
Fluorescent Paint-Covered Shelter Crafted From Sustainable Wood Panels Along The Amber Road

Project in-detail

Glowing in the forest, a shelter crafted from sustainable wood panels and covered in fluorescent paint offers a unique resting point for hikers along the scenic Amber Road.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from sustainable wood panels, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
02
Features a luminescent finish that enhances visibility at night for hikers.
03
Incorporates translucent Japanese paper for natural light filtration and weather protection.
04
Designed with a pyramidal shape to adapt to varying terrain conditions.
05
Accommodates diverse group sizes through modular space configurations.

### Project Overview

Located along the Amber Road, the Puzuris structure functions as a hiking shelter that embodies a modern interpretation of traditional Latvian ornamentation. Its design integrates cultural symbolism with functional design, creating a comfortable space for outdoor enthusiasts while honoring the historical context of Latvian winter solstice celebrations. The architecture engages with the surrounding landscape, enhancing the overall hiking experience through its thoughtful integration with nature.

### Spatial Strategy and Structural Adaptability

The architectural form of Puzuris employs geometric principles, particularly triangular prisms and tetrahedral shapes, to create a visually impactful silhouette while ensuring structural stability. The design allows for adaptability to a variety of terrains, as it can be reconfigured or expanded based on landscape features. The base supports additional square pyramids, enabling versatile usage that accommodates different group sizes and camping scenarios. Thoughtfully organized areas, including integrated hammocks and open spaces, encourage social interaction and exploration among users.

### Materiality and Lighting Features

The choice of materials is central to the project's execution. Sustainably sourced wood frames the structure, while waterproofed Japanese paper serves as translucent exterior cladding, minimizing environmental impact. Fluorescent paint on the framework enhances nighttime visibility, casting a glowing effect that aids in wayfinding and creates a calming atmosphere. This combination of materials exemplifies both aesthetic appeal and environmental consciousness, distinguishing Puzuris as an innovative structure within its natural context.

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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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