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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Elevate a Sustainable Forest Retreat

Author:
Yandi Toledo Miranda
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Elevate a Sustainable Forest Retreat

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden shingles with cross-laminated timber, this elevated dwelling harmonizes with its forest surroundings while providing a sustainable retreat for restorative living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated construction enhances natural ventilation and views.
02
Integration of renewable energy through photovoltaic systems.
03
Water recycling system supports sustainable living practices.
04
Use of charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance.
05
Flexible layout allows for adaptable indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Project Overview
Cable Hut is a contemporary residential structure situated in a densely foliated area, designed to accommodate a unique living experience elevated above the ground. Its architectural form draws inspiration from cable cars, intending to enhance the connection to the surrounding natural environment while minimizing ecological impact. The building's strategic location enables panoramic views and facilitates an integration between architecture and landscape, fostering a living experience that emphasizes simplicity and tranquility.

### Spatial Strategy and Layout
The design encompasses a total area of 46 square meters, with spatial organization prioritizing both communal interaction and private retreats. The main living area is designed to connect fluidly with the outdoors through expansive sliding doors, promoting natural light and reinforcing the occupants' connection to nature. Elevating the bedrooms and bathrooms provides privacy while maintaining the openness of social spaces. The incorporation of retractable elements allows for flexible spatial reconfiguration, catering to the varying needs of residents.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette has been carefully curated to ensure durability and harmony with the natural surroundings. White oak is utilized for flooring, walls, and furniture, offering a warm, resilient finish. Internal surfaces feature Galactica White Marble, which provides elegance while enhancing the indoor ambiance. The structural frame is constructed from IPE and HRB 200 profiles, reflecting an industrial aesthetic while ensuring structural integrity. Sustainability is a core principle of the design, incorporated through smart home technology for energy monitoring, a sophisticated water purification system, and photovoltaic cells that enable energy production on-site, reinforcing the commitment to ecological preservation.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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