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Translucent Polycarbonate and Timber Pavilions for Sustainable Trekking Amenities

Authors:
Matteo Biasiolo, Tim Bacheller, Kenneth Mitchell
Translucent Polycarbonate and Timber Pavilions for Sustainable Trekking Amenities

Project in-detail

Crafted from translucent polycarbonate and elevated timber structures, the design offers eco-friendly pavilions that enhance the trekking experience along Latvia's Amber Road.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from sustainable materials, including translucent polycarbonate and locally sourced timber.
02
Elevated structure minimizes ecological impact by reducing soil disruption.
03
Sloped roof design facilitates both rainwater management and natural ventilation.
04
Open floor plan encourages community interaction among trekkers.
05
Integrated solar panels support off-grid energy efficiency for enhanced sustainability.

### Project Overview
The design consists of a series of pavilions along the Amber Road in Latvia, intended to support and enrich the experience of trekkers. Emphasizing sustainability and ecological preservation, the architecture is designed to integrate with the natural landscape while offering necessary amenities for hikers. The intent is to reflect cultural heritage through contemporary interpretations of traditional Latvian agricultural structures.

### Structural and Spatial Strategy
The project utilizes a timber pile foundation that elevates the pavilions, minimizing soil disturbance and reducing environmental impact. Within the framework, open floor plans are established to promote flexibility and social interaction among users. The spatial organization includes distinct functional zones for sleeping, storage, and communal activities, thereby fostering connection while maintaining an efficient use of space. Large openings and strategically positioned windows facilitate natural lighting, enhancing the interior environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The design incorporates a sustainable material palette featuring locally sourced timber and translucent corrugated polycarbonate for walls and roofing. These materials not only provide durability but also allow for effective rainwater management and natural ventilation. Solar panels are integrated into the design, enabling off-grid operation and supporting renewable energy initiatives. The elevated structure ensures minimal ecological disruption, making it suitable for its remote setting while honoring cultural connections through the amber motif, echoing local history and identity.

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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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