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Triangular Cabin Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades at Vecaki Beach

Authors:
Luis Alfonso Cervera Espinosa, Aldo Martinez, Ivan Bueno
Triangular Cabin Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades at Vecaki Beach

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and a triangular form that optimizes natural light, this cabin at Vecaki Beach functions as a versatile retreat designed for relaxation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and aesthetics.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for efficient structural performance.
03
Triangular form designed to optimize natural daylight and views.
04
Strategically placed air intakes improve ventilation and comfort.
05
Layout accommodates both communal and private spaces for versatility.

### Project Overview

Located at Vecaki Beach in Riga, Latvia, the cabin design draws inspiration from the geometric forms of amber stones, particularly triangular shapes that inform both the structure's aesthetics and its spatial configuration. This multifunctional cabin is intended to support recreational and restful activities, fostering a connection with the surrounding natural environment.

### Geometric Framework and Spatial Organization

The design employs an intricate geometric framework, utilizing principles of geometrization to merge functionality with visual interest. The cabin features distinctive triangular facets that echo the local culture, enhancing its structural performance while creating a striking silhouette against the coastal and forest landscape. The strategic planning of these geometric elements facilitates a unique spatial experience for occupants, enabling diverse uses within the cabin.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration

A focus on sustainability is evident in the choice of materials, which balance durability and aesthetic appeal:

- **Wood**: Selected for structural integrity and its warm aesthetic, the use of wood creates an inviting atmosphere that fosters a sense of continuity between the interior and exterior.
- **Glass**: Installed to optimize natural light and panoramic views, glass elements enhance the sensory experience by connecting occupants to the immediate landscape.
- **Metal Fastenings**: These elements reinforce the wooden structure, ensuring longevity while facilitating robust connections within the architectural framework.

These materials together promote an organic dialogue between contemporary design and the natural environment, supporting a cohesive and immersive retreat experience.

### Interior Layout and Functional Distinction

The interior layout is organized into two distinct zones:

1. **Rest Area**: Designed to accommodate up to four bunk beds along with sufficient storage, this space prioritizes comfort and functionality. Communal features, such as benches and a central table, encourage interaction, while a strategically placed heater ensures warmth through varying climatic conditions.

2. **Recreation Area**: This segment enhances engagement with the outdoors, featuring large glass panels that provide abundant natural light and uninterrupted views of the landscape, thereby reinforcing the cabin’s connection to nature.

### Lighting and Ventilation Techniques

Lighting within the cabin is achieved through an effective blend of natural and artificial sources:

- **Natural Light**: Key openings along the front façade, supplemented by expansive glass areas, invite sunlight and create a dynamic internal atmosphere that changes throughout the day.

- **Ventilation System**: Engineered to ensure optimal airflow, the design incorporates air intakes on both side façades, with screened openings that protect against pests while managing rainwater ingress. This reflects a thoughtful response to the local climate and an emphasis on user comfort.

The architectural details underscore a commitment to integrating the cabin harmoniously into its environment, blending aesthetic values with practical user needs.

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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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