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Charming Cabin with Charred Wood and Elevated Accessibility

Authors:
Carolina Dias, Brad Wooster
Charming Cabin with Charred Wood and Elevated Accessibility

Project in-detail

Elevated above the ground and built from charred wood, the cabin harmonizes with its natural surroundings while providing a welcoming rest stop for cyclists along The Rivers Route.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin is elevated to minimize site disruption and enhance thermal comfort.
02
Salvaged wood is charred to increase durability against weather and pests.
03
It features operable panels that convert into access ramps for easy entry.
04
Designed as three modular sections for flexible use by visitors.
05
Rainwater collection and solar panels support its self-sufficient function.

The Eurovelo 6 Cabin is located along The Rivers Route, which connects ten European countries. It serves as a rest stop for cyclists and local visitors, designed to encourage engagement with the surrounding nature. The concept emphasizes flexibility, allowing the cabin to adapt to various visitor needs while also fostering a sense of community.

Modular Design

The cabin is structured into three main modules: a living room, kitchenette, bathroom, and bedroom. Each module plays a different role in supporting users during their travels. The living room includes a fireplace, creating a welcoming space for relaxation. The kitchenette is equipped with basic facilities like a sink and stove for simple meal preparation. The bathroom offers essential fixtures for personal hygiene while the bedroom can accommodate four single beds, with storage space for personal items designed below.

Environmental Integration

An important feature of the cabin is its elevation above ground. This design allows it to adapt to changing landscape conditions and reduces its impact on the site. Keeping it elevated also improves thermal comfort and minimizes disruptions to local plant and animal life. The cabin includes operable panels that can function as ramps, allowing easy access for everyone while promoting interaction with the outdoor environment.

Material Performance

Salvaged wood is used for the cabin's exterior cladding, supporting sustainable practices and providing a consistent look across different locations. The wood undergoes a charring process, which increases its durability against weather conditions and pests. This choice not only enhances the building's longevity but also ties its appearance to its functional needs, highlighting both performance and aesthetics.

Self-Sufficiency

The cabin incorporates various self-sustaining features, such as solar panels for energy and a rainwater collection system, enabling it to operate independently in its natural setting. The inclusion of a dry toilet solution adds to its self-sufficiency, making it practical for visitors. These elements work together to support the needs of users while highlighting the importance of living in harmony with the environment.

Large windows frame views of the surrounding landscape, allowing natural light to fill the interior spaces. This design helps connect occupants with nature, enhancing their experience while using the cabin.

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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

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