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Adaptive Cabins with Cross-Laminated Timber and ETFE for Forest Retreats

Authors:
Levent Arıdağ, Fitnat Cimşit koş, Okan Aktaş, Tugay Yılmaz
Adaptive Cabins with Cross-Laminated Timber and ETFE for Forest Retreats

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and an ETFE skin, the cabins are designed to adapt to their forest surroundings while offering serene spaces for meditation and retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins feature a flexible modular design that adapts to varying forest topography.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and sustainability.
03
ETFE skin allows for natural light penetration and energy efficiency.
04
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and integrate with forest aesthetics.
05
Meditation spaces are carefully oriented to maximize tranquility and natural views.
The "Silent Meditation Forest Cabins" project represents a thoughtful integration of architecture within a natural forest environment, designed to facilitate meditation and personal reflection. Located in a serene woodland, the cabins provide spaces for both individual and communal activities, emphasizing tranquility and a connection to nature. The design focuses on adaptability to varying topographies, showcasing the potential of architectural expression in symbiosis with the natural landscape.

The core structure, termed the "Adaptive Cave," combines functionality with an organic form that allows the cabins to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. The project utilizes a range of materials to achieve sustainable and durable constructions, emphasizing ecological considerations while providing comfortable interior spaces. Cross-laminated timber serves as the primary building material due to its strength and sustainability, while an ETFE skin enhances insulation and offers expansive natural light, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Unique Design Approach: Adaptive Modularity

One of the distinguishing features of this project is its focus on adaptive modularity. Each cabin is designed to respond dynamically to the landscape, allowing for variations in layout and orientation based on site-specific conditions. This flexibility extends to the internal organization, which comprises dedicated areas for private meditation and communal gatherings. The radial spatial arrangement promotes easy circulation while ensuring privacy and immersion in nature.

The project incorporates green roofs and walls that facilitate the growth of native flora, further connecting the cabins to their environment. This attention to ecological systems distinguishes the design, as it encourages biodiversity while also enhancing user experience through aesthetic and sensory engagement with nature.

Sustainable Material Selection

Materiality is a critical consideration in the "Silent Meditation Forest Cabins" project. The choice of cross-laminated timber not only promotes structural efficiency but also aligns with sustainable building practices. The use of ETFE as an exterior wrap offers significant energy efficiency benefits, allowing for passive solar heating and natural ventilation. This combination of materials aims to reduce the environmental impact of construction while maintaining high-performance standards.

Metal joints used in the construction provide significant structural integrity and allow for prefabrication of components, enhancing assembly efficiency on-site. Such details reflect a commitment to modern construction practices that prioritize speed and sustainability without compromising design quality.

For those interested in delving deeper into the intricacies of the "Silent Meditation Forest Cabins," including architectural plans, sections, and designs, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged. This project encapsulates innovative architectural ideas and methodologies that contribute meaningfully to the discourse on architecture in natural settings.
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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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