Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Parametric Timber Cabins With Herringbone Facades For Coastal Rest Stops

Author:
Jan Kattein
Parametric Timber Cabins With Herringbone Facades For Coastal Rest Stops

Project in-detail

With herringbone cladding and a pivoting facade that opens to breathtaking coastal views, these timber cabins provide sustainable shelter tailored for hikers along Latvia's historic Amber Road.
5 key facts about this project
01
Herringbone-patterned timber cladding enhances aesthetic appeal while reflecting local craftsmanship.
02
A pivoting facade design allows for flexible interaction with the surrounding landscape.
03
Cabins are elevated to minimize environmental impact and enhance drainage.
04
Interior berths maximize space efficiency, accommodating multiple visitors comfortably.
05
Sustainable materials sourced locally contribute to environmental sensitivity and cultural relevance.

### Overview
The Amber Road Cabins, located along Latvia’s Baltic coast, are designed to enhance outdoor experiences for hikers traversing the historic Amber Road. This ancient trading route showcases diverse landscapes, from lush forests to open beaches. The project aims to create a resting area that harmonizes contemporary architectural practices with the region’s rich cultural heritage, while providing a functional space for visitors to engage with the natural environment.

### Architectural Design
**Form and Structure**: The cabins feature a modern rustic aesthetic, utilizing large timber frames to provide expansive views of the coastline. A unique back wall design that swings open allows for both panoramic sightlines and natural ventilation. Elevated above ground, the cabins minimize their environmental footprint while establishing a lightness in form.

**Materiality**: The construction primarily employs locally sourced square-beam logs, promoting sustainability and aesthetic resonance with the surrounding landscape. Additional materials include treated softwood for structural integrity, plywood for interior finishes, insulated boards for thermal efficiency, and corrugated galvanized steel for durable roofing. The façade’s herringbone-patterned timber cladding reflects traditional Latvian craftsmanship, bridging historical context with contemporary design.

### User Experience
The interior layout of the cabins is optimized for functionality, featuring sleeping quarters arranged along a narrow footprint and utilizing vertical space with stacked berths to accommodate visitors efficiently. The design incorporates elements, such as a double-swing, to encourage interaction with the natural surroundings, fostering a sense of connection to the environment. The overall design enhances the hiking experience by providing comfortable shelter while promoting moments of rest and reflection in a tranquil setting.

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