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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Design in Eco-Friendly Trekking Cabins

Author:
Bradley van Dijk
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Design in Eco-Friendly Trekking Cabins

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and modular construction, the design provides sustainable accommodations tailored for trekking enthusiasts in the Finnish wilderness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural stability and insulation.
03
Features a modular design allowing easy adaptation to various terrains.
04
Equipped with a rainwater harvesting system for self-sufficient water supply.
05
Promotes communal living through open-plan interiors and shared spaces.

### Overview
The Finland Trekking Cabins are designed for remote locations across Finland, prioritizing sustainability and modularity. Intended to provide essential amenities while ensuring a comfortable living environment, these cabins aim to integrate harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape, addressing the unique challenges of remote habitation.

### Spatial Configuration
The design features a two-level layout, emphasizing functionality and social interaction. The ground floor is equipped with essential services, including a kitchen, a communal living area with a fireplace, bathroom, and a wet room designed for equipment maintenance after trekking activities. An open layout fosters social engagement while affording privacy in designated sleeping quarters. The first floor includes multiple sleeping accommodations tailored to facilitate communal living, seamlessly aligning with the needs of guests.

### Material Selection
Material choice plays a vital role in achieving both aesthetic and functional objectives. Predominantly utilizing locally sourced timber, such as spruce and Baltic pine, the cabins reflect regional characteristics and promote sustainability. Metal components enhance structural integrity, while large, insulated windows optimize natural light and provide expansive views of the Finnish landscape, maintaining thermal efficiency. The design incorporates eco-friendly insulation options and a stable foundation with concrete pile footings, minimizing ecological disruption. Additionally, sustainable water management systems, including rainwater harvesting and grey-water recycling, reaffirm a commitment to environmental stewardship.

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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

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