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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

Project in-detail

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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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

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