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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.

# Analytical Report on "Roots: Trekking Cabins on the Amber Coast"

## Overview

"Roots: Trekking Cabins on the Amber Coast" is situated along Latvia’s coastline, where it aims to create an immersive shelter experience for trekkers while respecting the surrounding natural landscape. The project emphasizes a harmonious integration of architecture within diverse environmental features, including sandy beaches, lush forests, and coastal vistas. It also seeks to foster a sense of cultural identity and connection to nature, reflecting a departure from urbanized architectural concepts.

## Configuration and Layout

The development consists of a series of trekking cabins designed to emerge organically from the landscape. Utilizing CNC-manufactured timber profiles, these structures attach to existing trees, establishing a symbiotic relationship with the natural environment. The radial profiles within each design adapt to the topography, allowing for an organic fit within the wooded terrain. This layout promotes semi-sheltered spaces at the bases of trees, facilitating an interaction between users and the natural surroundings. Strategic gaps between the profiles create varied protection from the elements while framing views of the amber coast, enhancing the overall experience of the local landscape.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection for the project plays a critical role in both functionality and aesthetic cohesion. The cabins are primarily constructed from CNC-milled timber, which ensures precision and supports intricate organic forms. Locally sourced thatch serves both as cladding and roofing material, providing insulation while blending seamlessly into the natural environment. This approach not only utilizes readily available resources but also underscores sustainability through minimal environmental disruption. The focus on ecological sensitivity is further reinforced by the project's design philosophy, which prioritizes the preservation of existing natural features while contributing to the overall dialogue between architecture and landscape.

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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

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competition now

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