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Photovoltaic Glass and Timber Frame Cabins Offering Elevated Retreats in Coastal Latvia

Authors:
Abhinav Dilip, Abhinanda Dillip, Dhruv Batra
Photovoltaic Glass and Timber Frame Cabins Offering Elevated Retreats in Coastal Latvia

Project in-detail

Elevated timber-frame cabins, constructed with photovoltaic glass and designed to minimize environmental impact, provide a sustainable retreat for nature enthusiasts along Latvia's picturesque coast.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes ecological disruption while providing panoramic coastal views.
02
Photovoltaic glass integrates renewable energy solutions directly into the cabin structure.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance and blend with the natural environment.
04
Retractable window elements allow flexible interaction with the surrounding landscape.
05
Multi-use spaces beneath the cabins support diverse activities while preserving ground integrity.

### Overview and Context

The Amber Trekking Cabins are located along the Amber Trail in Latvia, providing functional retreats for outdoor enthusiasts. The project integrates contemporary design principles with the region’s architectural heritage, drawing inspiration from traditional gabled houses while adopting a modern aesthetic. This design fosters a fluid interaction between occupants and the surrounding coastal and forest landscapes, allowing for a distinctive immersion in nature.

### Design and Spatial Strategy

The cabins feature a triangular roof profile, blending traditional architectural forms with a contemporary elongated shape reminiscent of tents. Elevated structures not only offer expansive coastal views but also create a protected living environment suitable for various weather conditions. The interior layout is thoughtfully organized to accommodate numerous activities, with flexible multi-use areas beneath the cabins enhancing their practicality. Retractable window elements provide adaptability, enhancing the occupants' connection with the natural surroundings.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Emphasizing ecological responsibility, the project strategically utilizes timber, a conventional building material in Latvia, to align with the local environment. Photovoltaic glass is implemented to harness solar energy, contributing to energy efficiency and reducing the overall ecological footprint. Notably, the design requires no groundwork excavation, preserving the integrity of the local ecosystem while minimizing construction waste. These elements reflect a commitment to sustainability, balancing user experience with environmental considerations.

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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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