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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form Sustainable Cabins for Cyclists Along the EV6 Path

Author:
Francois Bodlet
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form Sustainable Cabins for Cyclists Along the EV6 Path

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, these sustainable cabins provide cyclists along the EV6 path with a seamless blend of comfort and environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabins feature charred wooden shingles that enhance durability while providing a visually appealing texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used throughout the structure, offering both strength and sustainability.
03
Each cabin is designed with a communal courtyard, fostering social interaction among cyclists while maintaining privacy in sleeping areas.
04
A green roof supports local biodiversity and provides natural insulation, minimizing the ecological footprint of the cabins.
05
Solar panels integrated into the design ensure energy self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on external power sources.
This architectural project features a series of cabins designed specifically for cyclists traveling along the EV6 European bike path, a route that stretches 4,400 kilometers from the French Atlantic coast to the Black Sea. The project represents a thoughtful integration of architecture with the surrounding landscape, focusing on functionality, sustainability, and user experience. The cabins serve as rest stops, enhancing the journey for cyclists by providing comfortable and welcoming spaces that resonate with the ethos of outdoor exploration.

The primary function of these cabins is to offer respite and accommodation to cyclists along a popular biking trail. As part of a greater effort to promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transport and leisure activity, the cabins contribute significantly to the tourist infrastructure along the EV6 path. Each cabin is designed to accommodate the needs of cyclists, providing a practical space for rest, socialization, and recovery after long rides.

One of the notable aspects of the project is its architectural design, characterized by a monolithic structure that features smooth, curved lines. This design choice not only offers aesthetic appeal but also establishes a visual language that enhances the experience of the natural environment. The cabins are crafted to be integrated with the terrain, allowing them to blend harmoniously within the surrounding landscape. The use of black charred wood for the exterior cladding exemplifies a commitment to durability and maintenance, ensuring that the cabins can withstand varying weather conditions while remaining visually cohesive with the surroundings.

Inside, the cabins are designed with a user-centric approach, featuring a layout that promotes both privacy and communal interaction. Each cabin centers around a communal space that opens up to the outdoors, facilitating interaction among cyclists while offering them individual sleeping areas. This balance between privacy and community reflects an understanding of the shared nature of the cycling experience, encouraging connection among visitors.

The project emphasizes sustainable practices through careful material selection and energy use. Locally sourced materials are used wherever possible, which not only reduces the ecological footprint of the construction but also promotes regional craftsmanship. Additionally, the incorporation of solar panels supports energy needs while the use of a rainwater collection system enhances the ecological sustainability of the cabins, making them largely self-sufficient and environmentally friendly.

Further enhancing the project’s commitment to sustainability is the green roof that crowns each cabin, providing insulation and promoting local biodiversity. This element not only contributes to the environmental performance of the buildings but also visually softens their appearance, further embedding them within the natural setting.

The unique design approaches employed in this project highlight the potential for architecture to play a significant role in enhancing the experience of outdoor activities. By carefully considering the relationship between the built form and the landscape, the cabins not only provide essential services for cyclists but also foster a deeper connection to the environment.

For those interested in exploring this architectural endeavor further, detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs are available for review. They reveal the thought processes behind the design decisions and the ways in which the project as a whole addresses both practical needs and aesthetic goals. This project stands as a testament to how architecture can serve to enrich the experience of outdoor adventures while promoting sustainable practices.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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