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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

Project in-detail

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.

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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
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