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Slanted Birch Veneer Shelter Embracing Coastal Retreats

Author:
Jimena González
Slanted Birch Veneer Shelter Embracing Coastal Retreats

Project in-detail

Crafted with slanted birch veneer and designed to harmonize with its coastal forest setting, this shelter offers a comfortable haven for hikers seeking refuge amid nature’s tranquility.
5 key facts about this project
01
The slanted roof design promotes effective drainage, minimizing snow and rain accumulation.
02
Birch wood veneer provides natural insulation while blending seamlessly with the forest surroundings.
03
Large glass panels enhance natural light and connect occupants to panoramic views of the coastal landscape.
04
An elevated platform prevents moisture accumulation, ensuring longevity and structural integrity.
05
Open-plan layout allows for flexible use of space, catering to various group sizes and activities.
The Slanter Hut is an architectural project designed to serve as a cozy refuge for hikers and nature enthusiasts along the captivating coast of Latvia. This structure is meticulously designed to allow visitors to experience the beauty of the surrounding landscape while providing essential comfort and shelter. The hut represents a thoughtful integration of architecture with the natural environment, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and balanced living within nature.

Functionally, the Slanter Hut accommodates a range of needs for outdoor adventurers, offering sleeping quarters, a small kitchen, and rest facilities within a compact spatial configuration. The open-plan layout promotes a sense of openness and flexibility, allowing occupants to customize the space according to their requirements—whether for solo retreats or small group gatherings. With a strong focus on usability, the design facilitates not only basic living needs but also encourages human connection with the natural world outside.

From a design perspective, several key elements define the unique character of the Slanter Hut. The structure features a distinctive angular form, drawing inspiration from the natural slopes and movements found in the landscape. The slanted roof serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, promoting effective water drainage while creating an engaging silhouette against the backdrop of trees and sky. This careful consideration for both functionality and visual appeal exemplifies the project's adherence to modern architectural principles, ensuring that the hut is both useful and pleasant to behold.

The materiality of the Slanter Hut is equally significant, featuring a thoughtful selection of resources that reflect the environmental context. The exterior is clad in birch wood veneer, chosen for its local resonance and natural beauty. This choice enables the hut to blend seamlessly into its forest surroundings, while the weatherproofing membrane adds durability, safeguarding against the elements. Additionally, large glass panels enhance the interior's connection to the outdoors, inviting visitors to appreciate panoramic views while maintaining thermal efficiency. The use of moisture-diffusing sheeting ensures a comfortable interior climate, making the hut a pleasant environment regardless of seasonal changes.

An essential aspect of the Slanter Hut is its commitment to sustainability. The design emphasizes minimal environmental impact through the selection of durable materials that require little maintenance, as well as through the structuring of spaces that encourage natural ventilation and light. The elevated platform design prevents moisture accumulation, further contributing to the structure’s longevity and ecological harmony.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Slanter Hut is its ability to create an intimate relationship between architecture and nature. Rather than imposing on the landscape, the hut seems to emerge organically from its surroundings, echoing the forms of the terrain. The architects have successfully crafted a space that does not merely coexist with the environment but celebrates it, offering an architectural experience that is deeply rooted in context.

The Slanter Hut ultimately stands as a model for future projects aimed at merging architecture with its natural setting. Its unique design approaches showcase the potential of contemporary architecture to respond to ecological realities while serving practical human needs. Those interested in exploring this project further should consider delving into architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas that provide deeper insights into the thoughtful considerations that inform the Slanter Hut. Discovering these elements will reveal how this project exemplifies a commitment to creating thoughtful, functional, and aesthetically pleasing architecture within a precious natural context.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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