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Repurposed Shipping Containers Embrace Nature with Elevated Terraces and Riverbank Sauna

Author:
Marta Ruselik
Repurposed Shipping Containers Embrace Nature with Elevated Terraces and Riverbank Sauna

Project in-detail

Repurposed shipping containers rise along the riverbank, offering elevated terraces and community pathways that enhance the visitor experience within a sustainable tourist complex.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposed shipping containers form the primary structure of the cabins, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
02
The design incorporates elevated terraces that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Pathways connect cabins and communal areas, enhancing social interactions among guests.
04
A sauna positioned along the riverbank reflects traditional Latvian culture and provides a unique recreational space.
05
The layout is designed to optimize natural light and ventilation, improving guest comfort throughout different seasons.

CAB I-N2 is a tourist complex located in the rural setting of Skrunda City, Latvia. It aims to provide a distinctive lodging experience through the use of repurposed shipping containers as the main building blocks. The design emphasizes sustainability while also reflecting local culture and the natural environment. Each cabin is crafted to offer visitors a modern retreat that connects them to the rich heritage of Latvia and its waterways.

Design Concept

The project revolves around the use of shipping containers as a practical solution for creating cabins designated for travelers. Repurposing these containers minimizes waste and reduces environmental impact. The architectural form resulting from this choice is practical and visually engaging. It relates to Latvia's maritime history while encouraging interaction with the beautiful landscape that surrounds it.

Spatial Layout

To enhance community and social engagement, pathways connect the cabins, encouraging guests to explore the site. The central common area functions as a gathering space, featuring areas for leisure activities such as sports and yoga. This design integrates various functions, allowing the complex to adapt to a wide range of activities depending on seasons and events.

Cabin Design

Each cabin prioritizes privacy, with entrances concealed by greenery and taller fencing. This thoughtful arrangement promotes a sense of seclusion. Inside, the cabins make efficient use of limited space, offering sleeping areas, dining spaces, and essential facilities for daily living. This layout caters to both day-to-day activities and evening relaxation.

Structural Integrity

The cabins are built upon a metal framework based on repurposed shipping containers. This design ensures stability and durability. Insulated sandwich panels are also used in the construction, providing effective thermal regulation. This approach enhances the comfort of guests while maintaining an environmentally conscious stance.

The design includes a sauna positioned along the riverbank, embodying a traditional element of Latvian culture. This feature connects the complex further with its picturesque surroundings and provides an additional space for guests to enjoy nature and relaxation.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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