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Thatching and Amber Hues Blending Native Timber with Folklore for Sustainable Hiker Cabins

Authors:
North Keeragool, Andrew Franz, Jenny Budde
Thatching and Amber Hues Blending Native Timber with Folklore for Sustainable Hiker Cabins
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Blending traditional thatching and amber tones with local timber, the design creates a sustainable retreat for hikers along the scenic Gulf of Riga, rooted in local folklore and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Blends local folklore into architectural design, incorporating storytelling elements.
02
Utilizes thatching technique traditionally associated with regional craftsmanship.
03
Features amber-toned glass as a key design element, symbolizing local heritage.
04
Includes a natural purification cistern integrated beneath the buildings.
05
Strategically positioned for optimal views of the Gulf and surrounding landscapes.

## Overview
Located along the Gulf of Riga and integrated into the Amber Road Trekking Trail, the Pastaris’ Cabins serve as a rest point and cultural experience for hikers and visitors in Latvia. The architectural design draws on local folklore to create a gathering space that emphasizes a connection between the natural and built environments while honoring the region's cultural heritage.

## Site Context and Spatial Organization
Positioned on elevated ground, the cabins are designed to coexist harmoniously with the surrounding forest landscape, optimizing views of the Baltic Sea. The layout consists of interconnected volumes—one lower and solid, the other elevated and more fluid—allowing for varied sleeping arrangements and communal areas. This configuration supports both private retreats and collective experiences, facilitating a dynamic interaction between solitude and community engagement.

## Architectural Elements and Materiality
The design features two overlapping volumes with pitched roofs, which manage rainwater and enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Local timber is used throughout the structure for both its durability and warmth, while traditional thatching references historical building practices and provides effective insulation. Large windows flood the interiors with natural light, creating a dialogue with the landscape, and an amber-colored window serves as a lantern, evoking a sense of nostalgia. A stone plinth elevates the cabins, ensuring effective drainage and visual integration with the terrain. Elements such as natural ventilation within communal spaces and a purifying cistern demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, fostering an environmentally conscious lifestyle among visitors.

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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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