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Charred Wood Shingles and Kingspan Cladding Defining Sustainable Cabins by Loch Shin

Author:
Deimante Keturakyte
Charred Wood Shingles and Kingspan Cladding Defining Sustainable Cabins by Loch Shin

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood shingles and Kingspan cladding, these sustainable cabins near Loch Shin offer efficient living spaces that harmonize with the natural landscape while prioritizing energy conservation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins utilize charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural stability while minimizing environmental impact.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Rooftop solar panels support energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprint.
05
Slimline water tanks collect rainwater for sustainable use in the cabins.

### Project Overview

Fortescapes consists of a series of compact cabins situated near Loch Shin, Scotland, designed to maintain a minimal footprint of 25 square meters. The project prioritizes respect for the natural landscape and geological characteristics of the site, positioning the cabins to provide unobstructed views of the lake and surrounding terrain while minimizing ecological disruption.

### Spatial Organization

The spatial configuration of each cabin is optimized for both interior utility and outdoor engagement. The ground floor is designed to connect seamlessly with the landscape, offering communal areas such as kitchens and social spaces that facilitate interaction among occupants. The elevated first floor features sleeping areas with large windows, capturing panoramic views and maximizing natural light. This layout enhances the overall user experience, enabling residents to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The construction materials selected for Fortescapes reflect a commitment to sustainability and environmental integration. Key components include **LEC Kingspan Cladding**, notable for its insulation properties, and **Kingspan QuadCore**, tailored for roofing and wall panels to ensure optimal energy efficiency. The incorporation of slimline water tanks for rainwater collection and a wood-burning kitchen stove underscores the project's ecological ethos. Each material is chosen for its durability and minimal environmental impact, reinforcing the cabins' alignment with sustainable design principles. The overarching concept is to foster a deep connection with the landscape, encouraging occupants to engage actively with their natural environment.

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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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