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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

Project in-detail

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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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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