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Timber Structures with Thatched Roofs Embracing Coastal Privacy

Author:
Frank Boehm
Timber Structures with Thatched Roofs Embracing Coastal Privacy

Project in-detail

Constructed with larch timber and topped with thatched roofs, the design integrates seamlessly with the coastal landscape while providing guests with privacy and a unique connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with local larch timber for durability and aesthetic integration.
02
Thatched roofs enhance thermal performance and blend with the natural environment.
03
Huts are arranged along a central spine, mirroring a traditional moor path layout.
04
Woodcut racks serve as both benches and privacy screens between cabins.
05
Flexible interior designs accommodate various guest arrangements for extended stays.

Caramel Shore Huts is situated along the coast of Latvia and blends hospitality with the natural environment. The design concept is inspired by traditional moor paths, creating a central spine that connects the entrance to the shoreline and extends into a jetty. This pathway not only guides visitors but also fosters a relationship between the huts and their surroundings.

Central Spine Concept
The layout revolves around a raised central spine that functions as both a visual guide and a practical route through the site. The huts are arranged along this spine, resembling boats moored in a marina, allowing for easy movement from the reception area, through parking, and out to the water. This organization creates a balance between public spaces for social interaction and private areas for relaxation, ensuring that guests can enjoy both community and solitude.

Material Choices
Sustainability is emphasized through the careful selection of materials. The huts are primarily constructed from larch, a strong timber known for its resilience and warmth. Curved elements in the architecture feature laminated timber segments, contributing to the overall design while connecting it to local building traditions. Thatched roofs add to the aesthetic appeal and improve thermal performance, allowing the huts to blend easily into the landscape.

Flexible Spatial Arrangement
Inside each hut, the layout is designed to cater to diverse needs while providing privacy for guests. Communal spaces, such as kitchens and terraces, are clearly separated from the more intimate areas. The strategic arrangement includes options for bunk beds in sleeping niches, making the huts suitable for different groups, whether couples or families. This flexibility supports a range of visitor preferences and encourages longer stays.

Functional Facade Design
The exterior of the huts features woodcut racks, which serve multiple functions. They act as benches for seating and as privacy screens between the cabins. This design choice enhances both the beauty and functionality of the structures. The facade reflects a modern interpretation of traditional techniques, showing a respect for the cultural history of the region while meeting contemporary needs.

The careful design details throughout Caramel Shore Huts promote a strong connection to the coastal landscape, inviting visitors to experience and appreciate the natural world surrounding them.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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