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Wave-Shaped Pergola and Pine Cottages Embracing Riverfront Wellness

Authors:
Aleksandra Hiller, Tatiana Kościelniak
Wave-Shaped Pergola and Pine Cottages Embracing Riverfront Wellness

Project in-detail

A wave-shaped pergola defines the design of cottages made from pine, seamlessly integrating with the riverfront to provide a retreat focused on wellness and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wave-shaped pergola enhances outdoor comfort and aesthetics.
02
Cottages oriented to maximize morning sunlight and afternoon shade.
03
Constructed primarily with locally sourced pine for sustainability.
04
Includes a sauna adjacent to the river for immediate cooling.
05
Shared terrace features a fireplace to encourage community interaction.

The Caramel Shore Traveller Rooms project in Latvia showcases a well-thought-out design tailored for travelers who appreciate comfort and nature. The central theme of the design is a pergola that resembles the flow of a wave, creating a connection to the nearby winding river. This design element enhances both the aesthetics and functionality of the outdoor spaces, offering guests opportunities for relaxation.

Design Concept

The layout features five cottages facing southeast. This positioning maximizes the inflow of natural light, brightening the interiors while also providing shade during warmer parts of the day. The wave-shaped pergola serves a dual purpose, acting as both a functional element for shading and a visual feature that reflects the natural environment. Each cottage is designed with separate areas for sleeping, cooking, dining, and bathroom facilities, ensuring that guests experience a practical and comfortable stay.

Materials

Pine wood is the primary material used throughout the project. It appears in the construction of the kitchenette, dining area, and sleeping spaces, promoting a cohesive and warm atmosphere. The inclusion of beige tiles in the bathroom supports easy maintenance and complements the natural wood elements, creating a balanced and functional interior design that is both inviting and durable.

Amenities and Site Features

The site plan goes beyond guest accommodations to include essential amenities, such as parking spaces and a warehouse for storage. A shared terrace equipped with a fireplace offers communal space for guests to gather, fostering a sense of community. The addition of a marina with boat berths allows easy access to the river, encouraging guests to engage in outdoor activities and appreciate their surroundings.

Design Detail

A sauna positioned near the river serves as a notable feature of the design. It invites guests to enjoy the benefits of relaxation and immersion in nature. The sauna encourages a smooth transition from warmth to cool water, enhancing the experience of staying within this unique environment and connecting visitors with the natural landscape surrounding the cottages.

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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

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