Rooted in European folklore and guided by strong narratives, the Folklore Retreat offers warmth, serenity, and an immersive connection to nature.

Our shortlisted entry for the international Caramel Shore Travellers Rooms Competition, the Folklore Retreat captures the essence of Latvia’s rich folklore within a thoughtfully designed cabin retreat. This cabin is part of a larger masterplan featuring five total cabins, each nestled within outdoor social spaces, and accompanied by a pontoon offering access to serene waters for canoeing and kayaking.

At the heart of the cabin lies a central chimney, a symbol of warmth, stability, and community after a day spent in nature. Constructed from timber and elevated on a platform with metal anchor piles, the cabin’s design minimises its environmental footprint, blending seamlessly into the landscape.

Sustainability is key, with innovative methods employed to reuse resources and provide compost to nearby agricultural properties, further reducing the impact of eco-tourism.

The central chimney stack efficiently heats the cabin, with each room strategically positioned to benefit from the log burner’s warmth. The bed offers a direct view of the glowing fire, the kitchen appliances harness the log burner’s heat, and the bath is perfectly placed to enjoy both the views and the soft flickering light of the flames.

The cabin’s front elevation opens entirely to the countryside, seamlessly extending the living space into the outdoors. This design allows for a cozy, intimate retreat in cooler months, while offering the flexibility to open up and embrace the warmth of the seasons.

A raised bed provides practical luggage storage beneath, and the dynamic terrace design features multiple levels, creating inviting spaces to relax, dine, and soak in the breathtaking views after a day of exploration.

*Images refreshed since the competition, you can view our original entry here: https://architecturecompetitions.com/caramelrooms/