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Timber Structures with Thatched Roofs Embracing Coastal Privacy

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

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