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Thatched Roof Cabins Framing Natural Interaction in a Timber Setting

Authors:
Camilo Zea, Juan Arias
Thatched Roof Cabins Framing Natural Interaction in a Timber Setting
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Comprising thatched roofs and timber cladding, three distinct cabins create an internal plaza that enhances community interaction while seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins feature thatched roofs for enhanced thermal efficiency.
02
Internal plaza design encourages community interaction and social gathering.
03
North elevation designed with large windows for natural light and landscape views.
04
Timber cladding provides a cohesive aesthetic that harmonizes with the environment.
05
Stepped plan allows for varied spatial experiences within the site.

The Three Cabins project is located in a tranquil natural environment, featuring a design that promotes community interaction and a strong connection with the landscape. It includes three cabins that serve various functions, blending leisure spaces with service areas. The concept centers around allowing the natural site to guide architectural choices, resulting in a layout that integrates well with the surroundings.

Design Concept
The project utilizes a stepped plan to create an internal plaza, bordered on one side by trees and the other by the cabins. This layout fosters a communal area where people can relax and socialize, encouraging engagement with nature. The arrangement of spaces reflects an intention to support community living while emphasizing the importance of the natural setting.

Spatial Organization
Each of the three cabins is designed for specific activities. The first cabin accommodates eating and leisure activities, providing a café, fireplace, and playground. This design promotes relaxation and social interaction among visitors. The second cabin focuses on more practical needs, housing services such as ticket sales and exhibition spaces. The last cabin is dedicated to utilities, ensuring efficiency and functionality throughout the site.

Orientation and Interaction
The orientation of the cabins is deliberately planned along a west-east axis, maximizing energy efficiency. This positioning helps retain warmth during winter and enables sunlight to enter the buildings from the south. The north elevation faces the wooded area and features large windows that frame views of the trees, allowing the landscape to come inside and enhancing the occupants' experience of nature.

Material Choices
Material selections are made with care, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and regional architectural style. The design features a thatched roof, chosen for its thermal benefits and connection to traditional Latvian building techniques. Timber cladding is used for the walls and the interior roof, contributing to a unified look that blends the cabins into their natural surroundings.


Details throughout the cabins, such as the inviting entrances and spacious layouts, highlight a thoughtful approach that encourages a deep relationship with the environment.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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