Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Pitched Roof Cabins Embracing River Views and Local Agriculture

Authors:
Yuqi Zhao, Zihan Yuan, Nian Li
Pitched Roof Cabins Embracing River Views and Local Agriculture

Project in-detail

With pitched roofs that echo local traditions, cabins line the Venta River to foster community interaction and support agricultural use while providing a serene space for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins are strategically positioned for optimal river views.
02
Pitched roofs reflect traditional Latvian architectural styles.
03
Design incorporates land for farming to enhance community interaction.
04
Natural lighting is maximized through careful cabin orientation.
05
Cultural research informs all design decisions for local relevance.

The Tapestry of River Venta is a well-considered design located along the Venta River at the Caramel Shore. It aims to connect the cabins with the natural landscape while accommodating the needs of an increasing number of visitors. The concept focuses on integrating the built environment with the site’s cultural context and creating an engaging experience for all who visit.

Architectural Context
The design is based on thorough site analysis and local cultural insights. By placing the cabins along the riverbank, the layout enhances views of the water and strengthens the relationship between people and their surroundings. Traditional Latvian architectural elements, especially the pitched roofs, are incorporated to create a visual and cultural connection to local building styles.

Land Use Strategy
The design includes farmland in its planning to encourage interaction between tourists and locals. This choice supports sustainable land use and promotes community involvement by blending agricultural practices with spaces for visitors. This dual use of land helps establish a welcoming environment that benefits both tourists and the local community.

Natural Lighting
Maximizing the use of natural light is a key aspect of the design. Each cabin is oriented to capture sunlight throughout the day. This focus on natural illumination not only enhances the aesthetics of the cabins but also promotes energy efficiency. Spaces feel brighter and more connected to the outdoors, offering a calming atmosphere for visitors.

The project features pitched roofs that make up a significant portion of each cabin's height, reflecting regional architectural traditions while visually tying the cabins to the river landscape. These roofs serve as a reminder of the area's cultural heritage, creating harmony between the cabins and their scenic 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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
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