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Bark Shingles and Light Shafts in a Forest-Embedded Cabin

Authors:
Verena Hornig, Javid Alibhai, Malika Butt, Ola-ife Ojo
Bark Shingles and Light Shafts in a Forest-Embedded Cabin

Project in-detail

Elevated above the forest floor by a cable system, this cabin utilizes bark shingles and light shafts to create a harmonious living space that fosters connection with nature and promotes introspection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure minimizes ground impact while fostering forest integration.
02
Light shafts serve as natural ventilation and enhance daylight exposure.
03
Bark shingles encourage organic growth, blending the cabin into the environment.
04
Retractable ladder optimizes vertical space in limited footprint.
05
Composting toilet promotes sustainable waste management practices.

Nur is located in a forest, designed to become part of the natural landscape. It serves as a space for living and reflection, inviting users to connect with their environment. The overall design emphasizes the relationship between the individual, the structure, and the ecosystem. By fostering awareness of how flora, fauna, and the cosmos interconnect, the project promotes a sense of unity.

Materiality and Construction

The design incorporates machine fabrication and off-site assembly techniques. These methods not only improve efficiency but also align with an eco-friendly approach. Timber is the primary material, allowing the structure to interact with the surrounding forest. The cabin stands above the ground, supported by cables anchored to posts within tree trunks. This arrangement minimizes its impact on the environment and allows it to blend seamlessly into its natural setting.

Spatial Configuration

Inside, the layout is designed to accommodate various activities while promoting a calm atmosphere. The entryway features a retractable ladder, which optimizes the use of vertical space. A meditation area with a tatami mat encourages personal reflection. The food preparation zone includes a sink and wood stove, while the privy is equipped with a compost toilet and a decomposition chamber for waste management.

Light and Ventilation

Light shafts rise above the cabin, improving natural light and enhancing airflow. They act as the building's lungs, allowing fresh air to circulate and creating a refreshing environment. These shafts are positioned to capture sunlight during different times of the year, establishing a dialogue between the inside and outside. This interaction strengthens the connection with the natural environment and enhances the user experience.

Sustainable Material Choices

The materials chosen for Nur reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility. Plywood, vapor barriers, insulation, oriented strand board (OSB), bark shingles, and steel cables play significant roles in the construction. The bark shingles not only serve a functional purpose but also promote new growth, reinforcing the project's alignment with its environmental context. These choices reflect an intention to balance aesthetic needs with ecological considerations.

As the sun moves across the sky, light shafts create patterns within the cabin, casting natural shadows that shift throughout the day. The interplay of light and space invites users into a journey of contemplation and connection with the forest.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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