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Rammed Earth and Timber Cladding Shelter Blending with the Baltic Coastline

Author:
andy armstrong
Rammed Earth and Timber Cladding Shelter Blending with the Baltic Coastline

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth walls and timber cladding, the coastal shelter seamlessly integrates with the Baltic landscape, offering visitors a restful retreat along the Amber Road walking path.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with rammed earth, the shelter offers high thermal mass for climate control.
02
Timber cladding utilizes locally sourced materials to enhance environmental integration.
03
A gently sloping, bent A-frame design minimizes wind resistance while maximizing natural light.
04
The green roof promotes biodiversity and manages stormwater effectively.
05
Multi-functional communal spaces foster social interaction and community engagement.
The project is a coastal shelter located along the Baltic Sea coast of Latvia, designed as a rest stop for visitors on the Amber Road walking path. This architectural initiative integrates fully with its natural surroundings, offering both functionality and an aesthetic that resonates with the local topography. The structure is meant to provide a comfortable space for travelers, combining elements of shelter, rest, and interaction with nature.

The design represents a conscious response to the local environment and climate conditions, featuring a form that echoes the natural landscape. It incorporates a variety of functional spaces, including common areas for social gathering and private sleeping quarters, ensuring both communal and personal experiences for users.

Spatial Organization and Functionality
The building’s layout is crafted to optimize user experience and functionality. Common spaces allow for social interaction, while private sleeping areas enhance comfort and privacy. The use of openable windows supports natural ventilation, which is essential in a climate where insect activity is prevalent in warmer months. The orientations of these spaces capture the natural breezes from the coast, further enhancing comfort for visitors.

Innovative Material Use
This architectural project adopts a diverse range of materials that prioritize sustainability and durability. The prominent use of timber cladding offers warmth and an organic look, seamlessly integrating the structure into its surroundings. Rammed earth walls are employed for their thermal mass properties, enhancing the building's energy efficiency by regulating indoor temperatures. The incorporation of a green roof not only provides insulation but also promotes biodiversity, blending the structure with its coastal environment.

Unique Design Elements
What sets this project apart from similar shelters is its architectural form and adaptive design. The gently sloping roof mimics natural coastal dynamics, creating a visual connection to the surrounding landscape. This curvature also serves functional purposes, allowing rainwater to be diverted effectively while creating sheltered outdoor areas for users. Special attention to accessibility ensures that all visitors can interact with the space without barriers, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.

The project embodies a modern approach to architecture, balancing aesthetic and functional requirements while being sensitive to the ecological context. For a deeper understanding of its architectural ideas, plans, sections, and overall design approach, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project's detailed presentation.
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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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