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Vegetal Roofs and Local Reeds Define Eco-Friendly Lodging Along the Baltic Coast

Author:
David Pelissou
Vegetal Roofs and Local Reeds Define Eco-Friendly Lodging Along the Baltic Coast

Project in-detail

Utilizing a vegetal roof and local reeds, the eco-friendly cabins along the Baltic coastline offer sustainable lodging designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vegetal roofs capture rainwater, enhancing sustainability and promoting local biodiversity.
02
Each cabin utilizes locally sourced scotch pine and reeds to minimize environmental impact.
03
Open glass walls provide panoramic views of the Baltic Sea while maximizing natural light.
04
Central woodburners offer efficient heating, aligning with the project's ecological focus.
05
Composting toilets facilitate responsible waste management, reducing reliance on traditional systems.

# Analytical Report on the "Fossil" Amber Road Trekking Cabin

## Overview
The "Fossil" Amber Road Trekking Cabin is located along Latvia's Baltic Sea coastline, designed to integrate with the region's diverse landscape. The project aims to create sustainable accommodations that encourage outdoor living while preserving the natural environment. Comprising 25 cabins spaced 20 kilometers apart, the development offers eco-friendly lodging options for nature enthusiasts seeking a connection to the surrounding ecosystem.

## Architectural Strategy
Each cabin features a compact layout of 25 square meters, with an occupancy capacity of eight individuals, optimizing space for communal living. The design employs local materials such as scotch pine wood and reeds, resulting in a construction with a 98% green footprint. Large glass walls enhance the experience of the natural vistas, promoting a strong visual connection between the interior spaces and the landscape. Additionally, the cabins feature a vegetal roof that filters rainwater and provides insulation, contributing to the building's sustainability goals.

## Material Selection
The choice of materials is critical to the project’s functionality and ecological impact. Key elements include:
- **Cladding:** Scotch pine for structural integrity and aesthetic quality.
- **Insulation:** Reed, selected for its environmental benefits and thermal properties.
- **Foundation:** Locally sourced clay provides a stable thermal mass.
- **Roofing:** Native grass enhances the ecological footprint while merging with the environment.
- **Windows:** Glass elements maintain transparency and connection to the outdoor setting.
- **Waste Management:** Compost toilets support sustainable practices, aligning with the overall vision of ecological responsibility.

Transportation routes are designed to ensure accessibility to these cabins, with supporting digital resources for user engagement and logistical management.

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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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