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Charred Wooden Shingles and Eco-Ply Panels in an Intimate Retreat Setting

Authors:
Seth Trocio, Chris Gandhi, William Creighton
Charred Wooden Shingles and Eco-Ply Panels in an Intimate Retreat Setting

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and eco-ply panels, the cabin offers an intimate retreat that seamlessly integrates sustainable materials with its natural surroundings for a focused escape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Utilizes eco-ply panels to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
03
Features large glass walls to create seamless connections with the surrounding landscape.
04
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that optimizes structural stability and aesthetics.
05
Designed specifically for intimate living, emphasizing privacy without sacrificing openness.

The Romantic Cabin for Two is an architectural project located in Waitakaruru, Hauraki, New Zealand. Designed as a retreat, the cabin offers a space for individuals to reconnect with nature while promoting intimacy. The architecture features a balance between indoor spaces and the surrounding environment, aiming to create an immersive experience for its occupants.

The cabin is designed primarily as a getaway for couples, focusing on both functionality and aesthetic appeal. It combines essential living functions with a comforting atmosphere, establishing a sense of solitude and tranquility. Key areas within the cabin include an open-plan living space, segregated sleeping quarters, and multi-functional zones that allow for both relaxation and efficient use of space. Large glass panels maximize natural light and integrate indoor and outdoor living, encouraging engagement with the external landscape.

Sustainable design principles are a prominent feature of the Romantic Cabin for Two. The project utilizes materials that minimize environmental impact while maximizing energy efficiency. The roofing incorporates solar panels, and the choice of natural timber cladding reinforces a commitment to sustainability. This approach not only reduces reliance on external energy sources but also enhances the visual connection to the natural surroundings.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the standout elements of this project is its careful consideration of spatial organization. The cabin's layout is carefully crafted to facilitate intimacy without compromising privacy. Open areas promote social interaction, while distinct sleeping quarters offer individuals a personal retreat. This intentional spatial division is rarely found in similar projects, which typically favor open spaces at the expense of privacy.

The integration of large glass panels is another unique aspect that sets this cabin apart. By creating expansive views that foster a connection with the outdoors, the design effectively blurs the lines between inside and outside. This element encourages occupants to experience the changing environment, whether through daylight or the night sky, enhancing the overall ambiance of the space.

Building Materials and Sustainability

The materials selected for the Romantic Cabin for Two reflect a thoughtful approach to sustainability and local context. The use of Eco-ply for wall and floor linings, alongside corrugated iron roofing and natural timber cladding, exemplifies a combination of durability and aesthetic compatibility with the surrounding landscape. These choices contribute to the cabin’s overall resilience and visual harmony with its environment.

Additionally, the cabin features high-quality stainless steel appliances, ceramic tiles, and steel structural elements that support both functionality and design integrity. By blending modern conveniences with traditional materials, the project achieves a cohesive architectural language that appeals to contemporary sensibilities while honoring its natural surroundings.

For more details on the Romantic Cabin for Two, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, further exploration of the design presentation is recommended. This will provide insightful information into the project’s innovative architectural ideas and clarify the unique approaches that make it a notable example in today’s architectural landscape.

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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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