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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create a Sustainable Cabin Experience

Author:
Dimitri Persia
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create a Sustainable Cabin Experience

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the cabin seamlessly integrates sustainable construction with its natural surroundings to provide a multifunctional space for recreation and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency and insulation.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes communal gardening spaces to promote local food production and community engagement.
05
Strategically positioned among cypress trees to minimize ecological impact and enhance biodiversity.

**Overview**
Located amidst a diverse natural landscape, the "l.f.c. (language. fire. cabin.)" project engages with its environment through innovative architectural solutions. The design framework emphasizes a relationship between language, fire, and nature, aiming to redefine the conventional cabin experience. The intent is to create a structure that responds to environmental variables while promoting sustainable living practices.

**Spatial Strategy and User Interaction**
The spatial arrangement within the cabin reflects a deep connection to the natural surroundings. The design features twisting forms and varied roof pitches that convey harmony with the landscape, reinforcing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the structure. Key areas, including a vegetable garden, barbecue station, and communal fire pit, are strategically integrated to facilitate recreational activities and foster community engagement, encouraging collaboration among users.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**
A focus on innovative material choices underscores the project's commitment to sustainability. Techniques such as Shou Sugi Ban enhance durability, while mirrored glass and glass with integrated solar panels contribute to energy efficiency. Additionally, the use of wood insulation and Kingspan Troditek-Vine acoustic panels supports a natural aesthetic and improves environmental performance. This careful curation of materials not only establishes a visual narrative but also ensures the cabin's functionality aligns with ecological principles, promoting self-sufficiency and minimizing energy consumption.

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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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