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Cedar-Clad Retreat Featuring Butterfly Roof and Eco-Friendly Water Management

Author:
Ylva Fagraeus lundström
Cedar-Clad Retreat Featuring Butterfly Roof and Eco-Friendly Water Management

Project in-detail

The butterfly roof captures rainwater and solar energy, while the cedar-clad structure enhances its natural environment, creating a sustainable retreat designed for yoga and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
The butterfly roof design optimizes solar energy collection and rainwater harvesting.
02
The structure incorporates a combination of cedar cladding that ages to a silver-grey patina.
03
Elevated on plinths, the building minimizes environmental impact while enhancing lightness.
04
Greywater systems recycle used water for irrigation in the surrounding garden.
05
The large south-west facing glazed wall creates an uninterrupted view of the landscape.

Butterfly House is a notable example of sustainable design set within a calming retreat environment focused on yoga and wellness. Located amid natural surroundings, the building aims to foster connections with nature for its users. The design revolves around an innovative butterfly roof that efficiently integrates solar energy collection and rainwater harvesting, all while respecting the site's unique topography.

Concept and Functionality

At the heart of Butterfly House is the butterfly roof, which not only serves a visual purpose but also supports energy efficiency. This roof is shaped to optimize exposure to sunlight while capturing rainwater for practical uses. The architectural form works well within the landscape, enhancing the experience for those seeking tranquility and connection with their surroundings.



Spatial Organization

The studio is positioned toward the northern part of the site to maximize sun access while allowing space for a peaceful garden. It is elevated on plinths that adapt to the slope of the land, helping to minimize the building's impact on the environment and creating a sense of lightness. The internal layout is simple, with a rectangular shape defined by wooden beams and pillars, which creates an open and functional space for activities.



Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is deeply integrated into the design and operation of Butterfly House. The butterfly roof collects rainwater through downpipes that lead to storage barrels. This water feeds into the building’s systems, supplying toilets and irrigation for the garden. Greywater from showers and kitchens is recycled for plant use, while an Eco-box is designed for effective blackwater treatment, illustrating a thorough approach to resource management.



Material Aesthetics

The exterior of Butterfly House features natural cedar wood cladding, connecting the structure to its environment. As the wood ages, it takes on a silver-grey hue that gradually blends in with the surroundings. This choice reinforces the building's commitment to sustainability and aligns with its focus on harmony with nature.



The large windows on the south-west façade provide expansive views of the landscape, allowing ample natural light into the space. This connection to the outdoors enhances the setting, making it a fitting environment for relaxation and reflection.

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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
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