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Wind-Responsive Cabins Featuring Wire Mesh and Steel Structures for Communal Retreats

Authors:
Takako Yamauchi, Rika Arai, KEISUKE KOBAYASHI, JIA Lee
Wind-Responsive Cabins Featuring Wire Mesh and Steel Structures for Communal Retreats

Project in-detail

Balanced between the ethereal dance of Northern Lights and the gentle sound of wind through wire mesh, these cabins utilize steel and glass to create a harmonious retreat that invites communal interaction with the surrounding Latvian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins utilize wire mesh to create a dynamic wind soundscape, enhancing the acoustic experience of the environment.
02
Designed to engage with the Northern Lights, the cabins feature large glass panels for unobstructed night sky views.
03
Steel construction provides durability while allowing for a lightweight aesthetic that blends with the natural landscape.
04
Community gathering spaces are incorporated, promoting social interaction among guests in a serene setting.
05
Local folklore informs the design, with architectural elements reflecting the cultural narratives of Latvia.
The Amber Road Wind Cabins project embodies a thoughtful exploration of the relationship between architecture, culture, and the natural environment in Latvia. This architectural design represents a blend of communal living and individual retreat, situated in a landscape renowned for its captivating natural phenomena, including the Northern Lights. The project offers a unique accommodation experience that invites visitors to reconnect with the elements through innovative design and structural integrity.

At its core, the project seeks to create a space where occupants can immerse themselves in their surroundings, engaging both visually and aurally with the site. This is achieved through the careful arrangement of cabins designed to foster interaction while providing private sanctuaries that remain connected to the exterior landscape. Each cabin features strategic openings that allow for abundant natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere while enabling a constant dialogue between indoor and outdoor environments.

The architectural approach focuses on materiality and sensory experiences. The use of steel ensures durability against the sometimes harsh Latvian climate, while wire mesh not only provides structural integrity but also serves an artistic function, capturing wind and producing sound that further connects users to their environment. The incorporation of glass elements enhances the connection to nature, allowing occupants to observe shifts in natural light and the movements of the sky, particularly the ethereal display of the aurora borealis.

Significant elements of the project include well-defined gathering spaces, which are central to the experience of the cabins. These areas promote social interaction and community bonding, making the architecture not just a series of shelters but a facilitator of shared experiences. Each cabin is equipped with essential amenities, including a shower and a WC, to ensure comfort and functionality without detracting from the overall simplicity and elegance of the design.

Moreover, the design encapsulates a deep appreciation for Latvia’s cultural heritage, drawing on local folklore and narratives that resonate with the landscape. The emphasis on wind as a theme in both the architecture and the experience gives the project its unique identity. The user participation aspect encourages occupants to leave their mark and transform the space through personal expressions, turning the cabins into living, evolving spaces rather than static structures.

The innovative design methods employed reflect a sensitivity to both the geographical context and the cultural backdrop of Latvia. By blending architecture with cultural elements, the Amber Road Wind Cabins project illustrates how thoughtful design can create environments that are both functional and emotionally resonant. Visitors are encouraged to explore not just the cabins themselves, but the surrounding landscape and the underlying narratives that inform this architectural endeavor.

For a more in-depth understanding of this compelling project, one can delve into architectural plans, sections, and various architectural designs that clarify how these elements converge to form a cohesive vision. The architectural ideas manifested in the Amber Road Wind Cabins offer valuable insights into the possibilities of merging functionality with cultural significance and environmental responsiveness.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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