Get inspired!

17,363 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.
Amber Road Cabins are a contemporary architectural project located along the Baltic coast of Latvia, designed to provide accommodation for hikers traversing the historic Amber Road. This project integrates local cultural references with modern design principles, exhibiting a clear commitment to sustainability and user-centered functionality. The cabins serve as rest stops, offering necessary shelter while enabling occupants to engage with the surrounding natural landscapes.

Design Concept and Functionality
The architectural concept of the Amber Road Cabins emphasizes a seamless relationship between built structures and nature. The cabins are elevated, minimizing their environmental footprint and providing occupants with unobstructed views of the coastal scenery. Each unit features a unique double-swing front wall that opens to the landscape, allowing for natural ventilation and a direct connection to the outdoors. Inside, the spatial arrangement prioritizes efficient use of space, featuring stacked berths that maximize accommodation while maintaining a cozy atmosphere.

Materiality and Construction Methods
The project employs materials that are both locally sourced and sustainable. Key components include square-beam logs for structural framing, treated softwood for resilience, and plywood for interior finishes. The exterior is clad in timber planks arranged in a herringbone pattern, integrating aesthetic value with local craftsmanship. Such material choices not only enhance durability but also contribute to a visual harmony with the natural environment.

Unique Design Approaches
A notable aspect of the Amber Road Cabins is the reinterpretation of traditional Latvian building techniques within a modern context. By utilizing familiar forms and materials, the project fosters a sense of place that resonates with cultural heritage. The design encourages interaction with the surroundings; features like the double-swing wall invite occupants to step outside, enhancing their connection to nature. Additionally, the strategic elevation of the cabins allows for improved drainage and reduces potential environmental impact.

For more detailed insights into the Amber Road Cabins, including architectural plans, sections, and design details, readers are encouraged to explore the project's comprehensive presentation. This will provide further understanding of the architectural ideas and unique aspects that inform this project.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
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
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 17,363 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