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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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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
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