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Radial Timber Profiles and Thatch Canopies Create Semi-Enclosed Trekkers’ Shelters on the Amber Coast

Authors:
Paul McCoy, Sydney Farris
Radial Timber Profiles and Thatch Canopies Create Semi-Enclosed Trekkers’ Shelters on the Amber Coast

Project in-detail

Radial timber profiles, skillfully machined for structural support, combined with thatch canopies, create a series of semi-enclosed shelters designed for trekkers along the amber coast.
5 key facts about this project
01
Radial timber profiles adapt to varying terrain conditions, ensuring structural integrity.
02
Thatch canopies provide natural insulation and camouflage within the forest setting.
03
Cabins are positioned to frame panoramic views of the coastal landscape.
04
CNC-milled construction techniques enhance precision in the design and assembly process.
05
The semi-enclosed layout fosters user interaction with the surrounding environment.
The project "Roots: Trekking Cabins on the Amber Coast" is an architectural design that aims to offer trekkers a unique shelter experience along the picturesque Latvian coastline. The design incorporates environmentally sensitive practices and responds intricately to the site’s natural attributes. The cabins provide a functional space for rest and recreation, enhancing the interaction between users and their natural surroundings.

The cabins are organized as a series of structures that seamlessly integrate into the wooded landscape. Each cabin is supported by existing trees, utilizing CNC-milled timber profiles that reinforce a sense of belonging within the environment. This support system fosters both safety and a minimal environmental footprint, as the cabins appear as extensions of the landscape rather than foreign invaders.

Natural materials play a central role in the design philosophy. Locally sourced thatch is utilized for roofing and cladding, providing insulation and aesthetic continuity with the surrounding ecosystem. The thoughtful use of these materials not only enhances the visual appeal but also promotes sustainability by ensuring minimal resource transport and installation impact.

Unique Design Approaches

A distinguishing characteristic of the project is the radial profile arrangement of the cabin structures. This design method allows the cabins to adapt to various terrain conditions, ensuring stability and comfort for occupants. The intentional gaps between the profiles contribute to a dialogue with the surrounding nature, framing vistas and allowing for varying levels of shelter from the elements. This approach enhances the experience of being surrounded by the forest while providing necessary protection.

Furthermore, the architecture emphasizes user interaction with the site through its design. The cabins serve not only as a place to rest but also as vantage points to appreciate the diverse coastal landscape. The design promotes exploration and engagement with the environment, encouraging trekkers to fully immerse themselves in their surroundings.

Architectural Impressions and Functionality

The cabins are designed to accommodate varying user needs, making them versatile for different activities during a trek. Each cabin features carefully considered dimensions that allow for both individual and small group accommodation. Integrated shelving and communal spaces enhance usability, fostering a sense of community among trekkers.

The architectural sections delve deeper into the spatial organization, revealing how the cabins are tailored to their environments while ensuring user comfort. Exploring these sections provides greater insight into the project’s structural integrity and aesthetic outcomes.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the "Roots" project, it is encouraged to examine the architectural plans, sections, and designs further. These elements reveal the deliberate strategies employed to create a harmonious relationship between architecture and the natural environment, showcasing an innovative approach to trekking cabin design.
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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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