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Thatched, Boat-Like Cabins Featuring Wood and Glass Integration Along Historic Trekking Routes

Authors:
Stefan Nesic, Jelena Stojic
Thatched, Boat-Like Cabins Featuring Wood and Glass Integration Along Historic Trekking Routes

Project in-detail

Crafted from thatched roofs and wooden frames, these boat-like cabins seamlessly integrate large glass panels to enhance connection with the surrounding landscape, providing sustainable shelter for trekkers along the historic Amber Road.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with thatched roofs, enhancing thermal performance and aesthetic connection to traditional Latvian architecture.
02
Utilizes large glass panels to maximize natural light and provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize structural integrity and reduce material usage.
04
Features modular design elements, allowing for adaptable configurations based on specific site conditions.
05
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a striking visual contrast against natural wood tones.
The "Amber Road Trekking - CabinBoat" project is a contemporary architectural initiative that aims to provide sustainable accommodation for trekkers along the historic Amber Road in Latvia. Designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, the project features a series of cabins that serve as resting points for individuals exploring the region's diverse terrains, including forests and coastal areas.

The function of the CabinBoat is to provide shelter and comfort to outdoor enthusiasts while promoting the connection between architecture and nature. The design integrates elements that reflect traditional Latvian culture while employing modern materials and construction methods to enhance functionality and sustainability.

Unique design elements include the cabin's boat-like silhouette, which is both symbolic and practical, offering a streamlined profile that interacts harmoniously with the environment. The structure features a pitched roof, resembling that of traditional thatched homes, which not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal but also facilitates rainwater collection and natural ventilation. The use of large windows ensures ample natural light throughout the cabin, allowing occupants to appreciate the surrounding landscape and creating an open, airy feeling within the interiors.

The materiality of the project plays an essential role in its design philosophy. The predominant use of wood provides warmth and reduces environmental impact, while the inclusion of glass promotes transparency and visual connectivity with the exterior. Stone materials are utilized in the foundation, contributing to the structural integrity of the cabins while ensuring stability on varied terrains.

A distinctive aspect of the CabinBoat is its adaptability to different contexts. Whether situated in a dense forest or elevated by a coastal bluff, each cabin's design is tailored to its specific location, ensuring that the architecture respects and enhances its surroundings. This adaptability is pivotal to the project, as it addresses the needs of diverse users while maintaining a consistent architectural identity.

The spatial configuration of the CabinBoat emphasizes functionality without sacrificing comfort. Interior spaces are efficiently organized, incorporating essential elements such as seating areas and storage for gear. The design fosters a balance between private refuge and communal experience, encouraging occupants to engage with the natural environment.

In summary, the "Amber Road Trekking - CabinBoat" project offers a thoughtful response to the need for environmentally conscious architecture within a historical and scenic context. Its innovative use of traditional forms combined with modern materials creates a unique proposition in the realm of sustainable design. For those interested in further exploration of the project, detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideas are available for review, providing a comprehensive understanding of this architectural endeavor.
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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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