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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define a Sustainable Hiking Retreat

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define a Sustainable Hiking Retreat
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a sustainable retreat that enhances the outdoor experience for hiking enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a bent A-frame structure that optimizes natural light and views.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water management.
03
Utilizes locally sourced timber, minimizing environmental impact during construction.
04
Features modular construction for efficient assembly and reduced site disruption.
05
Equipped with solar panels to promote energy independence and efficiency.

## Project Overview

Located in Greenfield, Manchester, this cabin design addresses the needs of urban residents seeking a reconnection with nature and a more sustainable lifestyle. It serves as a retreat for hiking enthusiasts, promoting a slower, more mindful pace of life while facilitating an appreciation for the surrounding landscape. The structure is intentionally designed to serve multiple functions, providing both relaxation and a direct interaction with the outdoors.

## Structural and Material Design

The cabin features a multi-storey structure that elevates the living space, enhancing views of the natural environment and promoting cross-ventilation and natural lighting. A timber frame, sourced from local materials, offers warmth and visual harmony with the site. Supplemental steel components ensure structural integrity while minimizing the environmental impact. The use of eco-friendly, insulated panels in the building envelope enhances thermal efficiency and aligns with contemporary sustainability practices.

The ground floor encompasses open areas designated for living, cooking, and washing, fostering a sense of fluidity and connection to the exterior through large sliding doors. The first floor prioritizes tranquility and productivity, with designated zones for relaxation and indoor gardening. Unique features include a solar energy system on the roof for household power, a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water use, and a modular design that simplifies transport and assembly, optimizing construction efficiency with minimal site disruption.

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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity

Recurring architecture competitions

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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