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Tree Bark Huts with 3D-Printed Geopolymer Structures for Eco-Friendly Retreats

Authors:
Yong Huang, Eduardo Cabrera, Madeline Montgomery, Alec Leibengood
Tree Bark Huts with 3D-Printed Geopolymer Structures for Eco-Friendly Retreats

Project in-detail

Constructed from processed tree barks and reinforced with 3D-printed geopolymers, the traveler huts provide eco-friendly accommodations that harmonize with the natural landscape while facilitating communal living at Caramel Shore.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using processed tree barks, enhancing sustainability.
02
Incorporates 3D-printed geopolymers for structural strength.
03
Huts designed to minimize land disturbance without foundations.
04
Internal layouts prioritize views of the surrounding river.
05
Central pavilion fosters community interaction among guests.

The design at Caramel Shore in Latvia focuses on creating accommodations that blend with the natural environment. Inspired by local materials such as peeling barks and fallen tree branches, it uses these elements as building blocks in a sustainable approach. A central pavilion features a sauna and fireplace, serving as a gathering space that encourages social interaction. Surrounding this pavilion are traveler huts, which offer privacy while still promoting a sense of community. This design reflects an understanding of the environment and a commitment to preserving the natural landscape.

Design Integration with the Environment
The traveler huts are built directly on the land without traditional foundations, allowing them to connect with the site’s contours. The ring-shaped structures are designed to be either printed on-site or prefabricated, resulting in minimal disturbance to the natural surroundings. This strategy ensures that the construction has a smaller impact on the environment and respects the integrity of the landscape.

Use of Natural Materials
Advancements in technology play a significant role in this project. Using 3D printing, materials like processed tree barks and branches are combined with geopolymers and cement to create sturdy structures. This method reduces waste and creates a strong link to the local ecosystem. Employing natural materials allows the accommodations to reflect the area's character while supporting sustainable practices in construction.

Practical and Comfortable Layout
Inside each hut, spaces are organized for both comfort and functionality. Beds are placed to face the river, providing a calming view of the water and the surrounding nature. The kitchen and dining areas look toward the central pavilion, encouraging interaction among guests. Essential systems like plumbing and geothermal heating are integrated into the wall design, promoting efficiency without compromising the visual appeal.

Attention to community spaces is a key feature of the design. The arrangement allows guests to connect with one another while still providing private retreats in the huts. This thoughtful balance enhances the experience of being in a natural setting, making the most of the beautiful surroundings at Caramel Shore. The project emphasizes how architecture can work with nature, creating a living space that respects and celebrates the environment.

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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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