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Thatch Roof Cabins Merging Stonework and Timber with Natural Landscapes

Author:
Christopher Griffith
Thatch Roof Cabins Merging Stonework and Timber with Natural Landscapes
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With a thatch roof designed to harmonize with its rural Latvian landscape, these cabins utilize local stonework and timber to create inviting spaces for year-round visitor accommodations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins designed with a large thatch roof for optimal sun exposure.
02
Interior spaces designed to adapt to seasonal light changes.
03
Use of local stonework to enhance connection with the landscape.
04
Terrace railings promote natural light penetration into living areas.
05
Focus on community interaction while ensuring privacy for guests.

Caramel Shores Cabins in the Round offers a modern take on rural Latvian architecture, located near Skrunda. The design aims to connect visitors with the natural surroundings while providing comfortable accommodations throughout the year. By combining contemporary elements with traditional architectural features, the cabins create open views and interact closely with the landscape.

Architectural Concept

The design takes cues from traditional Latvian forms while moving away from typical styles to enhance visibility and accessibility. Each cabin is positioned to strengthen the bond with the surrounding environment, utilizing large windows to create a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The careful design allows users to appreciate the changing light conditions and seasons, enriching their experience in the area.

Material Selection

Choosing materials for the cabins is a key aspect of the design, focusing on sustainability. The project incorporates stonework, local timber, and thatch, all chosen to minimize environmental impact by sourcing materials nearby. This approach not only supports the local economy but also allows the cabins to blend naturally into their setting. The use of these materials highlights a tangible connection between the interiors and the rural landscape.

Spatial Organization

The layout promotes both community and private spaces. The design encourages interaction among guests while ensuring places for individual retreat. Shared outdoor areas invite users to connect with nature and each other, enhancing the overall experience. This balancing act between solitude and social interaction enriches the stay for visitors.

As light filters through the large windows, it creates shifting patterns inside the cabins. These changes highlight the textures of the materials and the design details, encouraging occupants to notice the subtleties of their environment throughout the day.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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