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Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Timber Cabins in a Woodland Retreat

Authors:
Adam Szekeres, Eszter Réti, Imola Balogh, Fanni Gardos
Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Timber Cabins in a Woodland Retreat
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and prefabricated timber, the retreat offers multiple cabins that harmoniously blend into the forest landscape, providing a functional space for relaxation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and environmental sustainability.
03
Features a modular assembly approach, allowing for flexibility in cabin configuration based on site conditions.
04
Designed with transparent panels to maximize natural light while maintaining privacy for occupants.
05
Surrounded by a carefully curated landscape that enhances interaction with the natural environment.

## Architectural Design Report: CLIPPER Project

### Project Overview

The CLIPPER project is situated within a forested landscape and consists of a series of cabins, including sleeping cabins, a sauna cabin, and a community cabin. The intent is to create structures that respond to user needs while fostering a connection with the natural surroundings. Each cabin emphasizes modularity, functionality, and an integration with local materials, effectively positioning itself within the wooded environment.

### Cabin Configuration and Functional Design

The project features three distinct cabin types that share a common structural framework, allowing for flexibility in interior space and adaptability to various site conditions:

1. **Sleeping Cabin:** Designed to accommodate four individuals, this cabin includes multifunctional features such as storage and basic cooking facilities, making it suitable for extended stays.

2. **Sauna Cabin:** This smaller structure focuses on relaxation and features an open layout that enhances the sauna experience, incorporating direct access to the outdoor environment.

3. **Community Cabin:** Serving as a central gathering space, this cabin functions both as a dining area and a social hub, facilitating interaction among visitors and enhancing communal experiences within the retreat.

The arrangement of these cabins is strategically designed to minimize ecological disruption while encouraging individual and collective interactions with nature.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The selection of materials for the CLIPPER project underscores a commitment to sustainability and aesthetic coherence:

- **Wood:** The primary construction material, sourced from local timber, promotes a lower carbon footprint and blends naturally with the landscape.

- **Plywood Sheets:** Utilized for insulation and structural framing, these sheets enhance thermal performance while contributing to the overall modular design.

- **Metal Roof Sheeting:** Each cabin features a durable, profiled metal roof that provides weather resistance and extends the lifespan of the structures.

- **Transparent Panels:** Integrated in select cabin designs, these panels allow natural light to penetrate interior spaces while maintaining user privacy and enhancing the connection to the outdoors.

This careful consideration of materials reflects an approach that prioritizes environmental responsibility and the creation of a warm, inviting atmosphere for users.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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