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Thinned Wood and Polycarbonate Shelters Blending with Latvian Landscapes

Authors:
Ryuta Inaba, Haruka Yamada, Kaho Ogawa, Daisuke Aita
Thinned Wood and Polycarbonate Shelters Blending with Latvian Landscapes
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Constructed with thinned wood and polycarbonate sheets, the huts seamlessly integrate into the Latvian landscape while offering a modular solution for sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced thinned wood, enhancing sustainability.
02
Features polycarbonate panels that provide natural light and insulation.
03
Modular design allows for easy assembly and relocation in varied terrains.
04
Integrates Latvian cultural elements into both interior and exterior finishes.
05
Utilizes a bumpy facade to mimic the surrounding natural landscape.

### Overview

The Bumpy Dumpy Hut project is located in Latvia, designed to provide a sustainable modular living solution that harmonizes with the region's diverse natural landscapes, including forests, cliffs, and rocky terrains. The intent is to create minimalist, portable living units that can be easily constructed and positioned in various settings, aligning with ecological integrity and local heritage.

### Material Selection and Construction

This project employs a carefully considered selection of materials focused on sustainability and local sourcing. Structural elements consist of Latvian thinned wood, which offers strength in a lightweight form. The exterior is clad in timber clapboard, ensuring both weather resistance and a visually appealing finish. Adjustable polycarbonate sheets are incorporated for the walls and roofs, providing flexibility in space utilization while maintaining thermal efficiency. Additionally, natural fibers echo traditional Latvian weaving patterns in the flooring and contribute to cultural continuity. Strategic use of mirror surfaces enhances natural light and creates a visual connection with the surroundings.

### Design and Environmental Impact

The architectural design features a distinct segmented facade that reflects the natural forms of the Latvian landscape, offering structural integrity while promoting adaptability. The interior layout encourages a balance between communal living and private spaces, with built-in benches and storage. Externally, overlapping triangular panels produce a dynamic appearance that complements the topography. The project prioritizes low-impact construction techniques, utilizing prefabricated elements to minimize waste and facilitate efficient assembly. Natural ventilation strategies optimize thermal comfort, reducing energy consumption without mechanical intervention. The integration of mirrors and natural materials not only enhances aesthetic value but also fosters a non-intrusive presence within the ecosystem.

In summary, the Bumpy Dumpy Hut exemplifies a thoughtful approach to architectural design that emphasizes sustainability, cultural relevance, and ecological sensitivity through careful material selection and innovative construction techniques.

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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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