Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Translucent Polycarbonate and Sustainable Wood Cabins Enhancing Outdoor Community Experiences

Authors:
Xinran Liu, Husseina Kakal, Qian Yang
Translucent Polycarbonate and Sustainable Wood Cabins Enhancing Outdoor Community Experiences
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Combining translucent polycarbonate with traditional wood, these cabins create a seamless connection to nature while providing essential shelter for hikers along Latvia's Amber Road trekking path.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced cross-laminated timber, enhancing sustainability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Utilizes translucent polycarbonate panels to optimize natural light and minimize energy use.
04
Incorporates a flexible interior layout, allowing adaptability for various group sizes.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to facilitate effective snow runoff in winter conditions.

### Overview
The Daba Trekking Cabins are located along the Amber Road trekking path in Latvia, designed to function as temporary shelters for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The intent of the project is to create a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the natural landscape, while reflecting elements of local cultural heritage. By providing essential amenities for rest and communal interaction, the cabins enhance the experience of adventurers exploring the Latvian wilderness.

### Design and Spatial Strategy
The design centers on fostering a tranquil atmosphere, where the cabins encourage relaxation amid the natural surroundings. Drawing inspiration from traditional Latvian architecture, particularly gable roofs characteristic of local vernacular buildings, the form of the cabins integrates contemporary design principles while honoring regional aesthetics. The layout efficiently optimizes space for essential living areas, including kitchens, sleeping quarters, and communal zones, allowing flexibility to accommodate varying group sizes and preferences. Large windows and translucent polycarbonate panels are strategically placed to maximize natural light, enhancing the internal environment while maintaining a strong connection to the exterior landscape.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
A focus on sustainability is evident in the meticulous selection of materials used in the construction of the cabins. Key materials include wood for structural framing and gable roofs, which offer warmth and a nod to traditional design. Translucent polycarbonate panels provide natural illumination while aiding in temperature regulation, contributing to energy efficiency. The interior features plywood wall sheathing, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, while a concrete floor slab ensures durability against various environmental conditions. Additional features, such as a metal fireplace and sustainably sourced wooden benches, further enhance user experience by promoting communal gatherings, reinforcing the social aspect of the cabins. This deliberate choice of materials not only aligns with ecological principles but also facilitates a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy