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Translucent Polycarbonate Cabins Set Within Coastal Trails Emphasizing Natural Integration

Author:
Aura Sanabria Hernández
Translucent Polycarbonate Cabins Set Within Coastal Trails Emphasizing Natural Integration

Project in-detail

Translucent polycarbonate cabins seamlessly integrate into the coastal landscape, utilizing modular design and LED illumination to guide hikers along scenic trails while providing essential shelter.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent polycarbonate facades allow natural light while resisting harsh coastal weather.
02
The modular design adapts to diverse topographies along the hiking trails.
03
LED illuminated pathways enhance visibility for nighttime navigation.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and a unique aesthetic.
05
Cross-laminated timber contributes to a sustainable construction approach.

### Overview
The Path of Lights is located along the Latvian coastline, an area known for its maritime heritage. The project encompasses a series of contemporary lighthouses and cabins that function as navigational guides and resting spots for hikers exploring coastal trails. By drawing from historical references to maritime navigation while incorporating modern architectural principles, the design seeks to celebrate Latvia's cultural identity and enhance the cohesion between built structures and natural landscapes.

### Spatial Strategy
The design approach emphasizes the strategic placement of luminous cabins along established hiking paths, creating a linkage to historical lighthouses while fostering interaction with the surrounding environment. The cabins are informed by organic geometries that reflect the natural forms found in coastal settings, promoting a harmonious integration with the landscape. Carefully designed communal spaces within the cabins offer opportunities for social interaction, countering the isolation experienced in remote natural areas and enhancing the overall user experience.

### Material Selection
A diverse material palette underpins the project's architectural vision, contributing to its functional performance and aesthetic appeal. Key materials include aluminum for structural integrity and lightweight construction, translucent polycarbonate to facilitate natural light while ensuring weather resistance, and glass for visual connectivity between interior and exterior spaces. A durable concrete base provides stability against coastal elements, while the incorporation of natural wood creates inviting interiors. LED lighting systems enhance navigability and contribute to the illuminated pathways, echoing the traditional role of lighthouses in maritime navigation. This thoughtful selection of materials ensures that each cabin not only serves its intended purpose but also enriches the sensory experience for visitors.

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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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