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Hemp Concrete Retreat With Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Integrating Nature and Community

Author:
Antoni Grześkowiak
Hemp Concrete Retreat With Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Integrating Nature and Community

Project in-detail

Constructed with innovative hemp concrete and adorned with cross-laminated timber panels, this sustainable retreat seamlessly integrates modern living with the natural landscape, fostering a connection to community and environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates hemp concrete to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon footprint.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for natural weather resistance and visual texture.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to optimize space and improve thermal performance.
05
Integrates communal outdoor spaces to foster engagement with nature and community interaction.
The Green Cabin project represents a thoughtful exploration of sustainable architecture, framed within the context of local Latvian traditions. The design focuses on creating a symbiotic relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings, demonstrating how modern architectural practices can honor and incorporate elements of local culture. This project functions as a weekend retreat or seasonal dwelling, aimed at individuals and families seeking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the comforts of contemporary living.

At the heart of the Green Cabin's design is a commitment to simplicity and efficiency. The structure's dimensions are dictated by a modular system that utilizes a dimension of 90 cm, allowing for a balanced and coherent aesthetic that echoes traditional architectural forms. The cabin features a gabled roof, a familiar silhouette in many rural settings, which enhances the building's connection to its heritage while fulfilling practical requirements such as optimal rainwater drainage.

The material palette of the Green Cabin is carefully selected to reflect both sustainability and regional characteristics. Sustainability is underscored by the use of hemp concrete, an innovative material that provides structural integrity while supporting local agricultural practices. This choice not only reduces the ecological footprint of the project but also showcases the potential of underutilized materials. The walls are constructed from timber, sourced from sustainable forests, which not only bring warmth to the interior but also resonate with the surrounding natural landscape.

Inside, the cabin follows an open floor plan that emphasizes communal living. The design includes a wooden terrace that serves as a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, inviting fresh air and natural light into the living area. The interior layout accommodates sleeping areas, a kitchenette, and a bathroom in a compact yet functional arrangement. This design choice promotes efficient use of space while ensuring that all essential amenities are present for comfortable living.

The sectional characteristics of the Green Cabin reveal additional design considerations. A well-planned ventilation layer ensures that air circulation is maximized, maintaining a pleasant indoor climate year-round. The incorporation of a water tank within the structural framework demonstrates an innovative approach to utility systems, providing necessary resources without detracting from the overall aesthetic of the space. A centrally located fireplace serves as both a heating source and a focal point, providing warmth and fostering social interaction among users.

Unique to this architectural project is its emphasis on community and environmental synergy. The surrounding natural features, including hemp fields and woods, are not merely backdrops but integral components of the user experience. Spaces for communal activities, such as a sauna and fire pit, encourage gatherings, promoting a lifestyle that values connection to both nature and community. The design of these communal areas complements the cabin, offering additional amenities that enhance the overall living experience.

In analyzing the architectural design of the Green Cabin, it becomes evident that the project embodies a modern interpretation of traditional living. By harmoniously blending form, function, and environmental considerations, it stands as a model for sustainable architecture that remains grounded in local context. The thoughtful integration of materials, modular dimensions, and clever spatial planning demonstrates an attentiveness to both user needs and environmental implications.

For those interested in learning more about this project, a detailed presentation of the architectural plans, sections, and ideas is available for exploration. Delve deeper into the unique aspects of the Green Cabin to gain comprehensive insights into its design philosophy and execution. This project is an exemplary case of how architecture can thoughtfully address contemporary challenges while remaining rooted in tradition and nature.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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