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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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