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Reflective Canopy With Adaptive Fabric Envelopes For Timber Cabins In A Cultural Landscape

Authors:
Jacob Kackley, Miles Foster, Zachery Howser
Reflective Canopy With Adaptive Fabric Envelopes For Timber Cabins In A Cultural Landscape

Project in-detail

A reflective canopy crafted from dynamic materials shelters an adaptable cabin structure built from local timber, creating a versatile retreat that harmonizes with the Latvian landscape and celebrates cultural traditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabins utilize a reflective canopy that enhances daylight while blending with the landscape.
02
A high-performance fabric facade allows for adjustable openness, maximizing ventilation and light control.
03
Local timber is sourced for structural elements, promoting sustainability and connection to the region.
04
The design incorporates an adaptable layout that transforms depending on seasonal changes and occupancy needs.
05
Elements of Latvian cultural heritage are integrated into the aesthetic, celebrating traditional craftsmanship and community values.
The Amber Road Trekking Cabins project embodies a thoughtful integration of architectural design with the surrounding Latvian landscape and cultural heritage. Situated amidst Latvia's forests, the cabins serve as a refuge for trekkers and nature enthusiasts, providing a space that facilitates a deeper connection with the natural world. This initiative is not merely about constructing shelters; it represents a commitment to sustainability, culture, and adaptability in modern architecture.

Designed with a particular emphasis on the Latvian summer solstice celebration, known as Jāņi, these cabins highlight the importance of local customs and traditions. The architecture encourages users to actively engage with the land and fosters an appreciation for communal and individual experiences in nature. Each cabin has been conceived as an adaptable structure, enabling occupants to tailor their environment according to the changing seasons and personal needs. This flexibility is a key characteristic of the design, allowing for various functions—ranging from quiet retreats to communal gatherings.

The architectural design features several critical components that enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The structure is supported by vertical timber columns that echo the surrounding trees, embodying a sense of harmony with the natural environment. This choice of local timber emphasizes sustainability, ensuring that the project minimally impacts the local ecosystem while maintaining a strong connection to its geographic context.

The raised wood slatted floor is another significant element of the design, allowing air circulation beneath and creating a seamless transition from outdoor to indoor space. This feature not only elevates the cabins above the ground, minimizing disturbances to the local flora but also invites the natural elements inside, integrating the interior with the landscape. An innovative aspect of the design is the adaptable fabric facade, which can be opened or closed based on the weather. This allows occupants to control light and air circulation, effectively adjusting the cabin environment according to individual preferences and seasonal changes.

The reflective metal canopy acts as both a functional and aesthetic component of the cabins, providing shelter while also mirroring the surrounding landscape. This design choice reinforces the project's intent to blend architecture with nature, offering an immersive experience for its users. The interior configuration prioritizes multi-functionality, featuring portable sleeping mats and hidden storage solutions within the raised floor. This thoughtful arrangement not only optimizes the available space but also encourages a minimalist approach, resonating with the ethos of the design.

Furthermore, the cabins serve a dual purpose, merging solitude with social opportunities. They provide both communal and private spaces, ensuring that occupants can enjoy a retreat while still being part of the larger community experience associated with traditional Latvian festivities. The project actively fosters a dialogue between inhabitants and their surroundings, encouraging users to immerse themselves in the landscape and engage in the local cultural context.

The unique design approaches of the Amber Road Trekking Cabins stand out in their commitment to environmental sustainability, cultural significance, and user adaptability. By thoughtfully combining these elements, the architecture not only serves its primary function as a dwelling but also as a space for fostering connections—both with nature and with communal identities.

For those interested in exploring this project further, a detailed presentation will provide valuable insights into the architectural designs, plans, sections, and overall concept behind the Amber Road Trekking Cabins. Engaging with these materials will deepen your understanding of how modern architecture can resonate with cultural traditions and environmental sustainability.
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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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