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Charred Wood and Thatch Cabin Blending with Forest Ecosystem

Authors:
Atul Shekhar, Shalu Mishra, Dayavati Devi, Faizan Fahad
Charred Wood and Thatch Cabin Blending with Forest Ecosystem

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wood and thatch, this cabin integrates seamlessly into the forest, creating a tranquil retreat designed for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced charred wood for durability and aesthetic integration.
02
Features modular blocks that allow for flexible spatial arrangements based on site conditions.
03
Incorporates a sloped roof designed to enhance drainage and minimize visual impact.
04
The thatched roof supports local biodiversity by facilitating plant growth.
05
Interior spaces prioritize smooth lines and restful edges to promote relaxation.

Humble Possibilities is a design that emphasizes the integration of a cabin within a wooded landscape. The setting serves both as a retreat and a space that nurtures a connection with nature. The overall concept revolves around allowing the cabin to interact with its environment, gradually letting nature reclaim the structure over time. This reflects a thoughtful approach to sustainable living.

Modularity and Flexibility

The cabin employs a modular design that adjusts according to the site’s unique features. This flexibility enhances the building’s utility while allowing it to adapt to changes in the landscape. The layout consists of various zones, including areas for meditation and communal living. Each section promotes a sense of calm and purpose, ensuring that the spaces work well together.

Cultural and Environmental Influence

Inspired by traditional Latvian architecture, the design incorporates pitched roofs and thick walls. These elements are practical, helping to keep the interior comfortable in various weather conditions. They also connect the cabin to local cultural practices. This architectural choice reflects a desire to establish a bond with the natural world, showcasing how human dwellings can be in harmony with their surroundings.

Materiality and Aesthetics

Materials play a key role in shaping the cabin’s identity. The exterior features charred wood, which helps the structure blend into the forest. This choice not only improves durability but also enhances the visual connection to the environment. Inside, honey-glazed pinewood creates warmth and encourages a peaceful atmosphere. The thatched roof serves dual purposes—it provides insulation and promotes the growth of local plants and wildlife.

Spatial Arrangement and Detail

Inside the cabin, the design focuses on creating serene spaces that support meditation and reflection. The interiors are crafted to feel welcoming, using smooth edges and clean lines that do not distract. The sloped roof aids in water drainage and keeps the cabin low-profile, allowing it to recede into the landscape. This attention to detail makes the structure a subtle, yet significant part of 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

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