Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Gabled Roofs Embracing Natural Light in Eco-Friendly Lodgings

Authors:
Jieun Kim, Ji won Song, Chang hyun Joo
Gabled Roofs Embracing Natural Light in Eco-Friendly Lodgings

Project in-detail

Gabled roofs harmonize with the surrounding forest, maximizing natural light and promoting sustainability in contemporary lodgings designed for eco-tourism in Skrunda, Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Gabled roofs are designed to mimic mountain forms, enhancing the connection to the natural landscape.
02
Visitor accommodations feature large south-facing windows that optimize sunlight and forest views.
03
Community spaces encourage social interaction, fostering a sense of belonging among guests.
04
The layout reflects the flow of the nearby Venta River, promoting harmony with the site's topography.
05
Natural materials are used throughout to support eco-friendly practices and sustainability.

The Caramel Shores traveler’s room project is located in the Latvian village of Skrunda, which has a deep historical background as the secret city of the former Soviet Union. Designed as eco-friendly accommodation for tourists, the project aims to blend contemporary architecture with local traditions. The design concept focuses on creating connections between visitors and the surrounding landscape, prioritizing environmental aspects in its layout and overall vision.

Design Concept
The layout of the traveler rooms is inspired by the nearby Venta River. Pathways mimic the flow of the river, encouraging a feeling of harmony with the natural terrain. This design aids in enhancing the experience of exploring nature and appreciating the unique environment of Skrunda. The overall goal is to make visitors feel as though they are walking through a forest, engaging with both the architecture and the landscape.

Architectural Features
The project prominently features gabled roofs, which are characteristic of traditional Latvian architecture. These roofs provide a unified appearance for the structures while evoking the shapes of mountains in the background. The use of these traditional elements alongside modern designs results in a structure that respects the local heritage and meets contemporary needs.

Spatial Organization
Social interaction plays a key role in the project's design. Spaces such as the Entrance Square and Festival Stage are strategically placed to encourage guests to come together and engage with one another. The traveler rooms are designed with large windows that face south, allowing for ample natural light and providing views of the forest. This approach enhances the experience of being close to nature.

Environmental Considerations
Sustainability is a central focus throughout the design. Natural light and ventilation are integrated into the traveler rooms, promoting energy efficiency and comfort for the guests. Outdoor features, such as BBQ areas and pathways leading to amenities like a Traditional Sauna, invite visitors to connect with the local environment. These elements enhance the overall experience and encourage community interaction.

The careful layout and natural shape of the roofs, along with the thoughtful positioning of communal spaces, create a design that aligns well with its landscape, fostering an inviting atmosphere enjoyed by travelers seeking both comfort and a connection to nature.

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