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Sustainable Cabins Crafted From Straw and Wood Emphasizing Community Interaction in a Rural Setting

Authors:
Emiliano Barbani, Giovanni Morelli, Martina Costa, Matteo Pozzi
Sustainable Cabins Crafted From Straw and Wood Emphasizing Community Interaction in a Rural Setting

Project in-detail

Crafted from locally sourced straw and wood, the design fosters communal interaction while offering secluded cabins that integrate seamlessly into the rural Latvian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced straw for insulation and cladding to enhance sustainability.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that provide structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
03
Incorporates a unique bent A-frame design that integrates with the surrounding landscape.
04
Includes a central communal fireplace area, fostering social interaction among guests.
05
Paths connect various cabins, enhancing the experience of exploration and engagement with nature.

The project presents "The Straw Village," an architectural design located in Latvia that emphasizes sustainable practices and a connection to the natural environment. This architecture aims to foster rural tourism while adhering to traditional building techniques. The design integrates seamlessly with the landscape, offering visitors various experiences through its carefully crafted spaces that reflect the local heritage.

The primary function of "The Straw Village" is to serve as a retreat that encourages interaction with nature and community. Various structures are dispersed across the site, creating an intimate atmosphere conducive to both communal gatherings and individual reflection. The architectural layout encourages movement throughout the area, allowing visitors to engage with the environment and each other.

The design of "The Straw Village" is characterized by several unique elements. Firstly, the use of straw as a primary material for insulation and façade not only pays homage to local architectural traditions but also supports ecological sustainability. This choice reduces the carbon footprint associated with building materials and integrates the structures into their natural context. Coupled with wood for the structural framework, these materials foster a warm aesthetic and robust durability.

Another distinguishing aspect of the design is its communal focus. The centerpiece of the project is a communal fireplace area that becomes a social hub for gathering and interaction. This feature reinforces community bonds and encourages shared experiences among visitors. Also notable is the variety of building types included in the design, featuring cabins, sauna, and terraces. Each structure is purposefully located to offer distinct views and interactions with the surrounding landscape, enhancing the overall experience.

The project also integrates paths that connect various elements, ensuring accessibility while inviting exploration. The arrangement promotes a sense of journey, with each path leading to communal or secluded areas. This design approach encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the environment, whether through contemplation or engagement with others.

For more in-depth analysis, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs associated with "The Straw Village." These elements provide further insights into the architectural ideas that shaped this unique project.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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