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Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Water Management in a Tranquil Cabin Retreat

Authors:
Elliott Morgan, Zimin Lee
Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Water Management in a Tranquil Cabin Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a green roof for environmental integration, the cabin enhances connection to nature while providing a serene retreat for reflection and rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin features a green roof, promoting biodiversity and effective rainwater management.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and a distinct aesthetic while minimizing maintenance.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to the building’s structural integrity and sustainability.
04
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Outdoor pathways are thoughtfully integrated to encourage exploration and connection with nature.
This architectural project represents a carefully considered cabin design that harmonizes the interplay between structure and nature. Situated in a captivating rural landscape, the cabin is a retreat that emphasizes both privacy and a connection to the surroundings, making it an ideal space for relaxation and reflection. The design acknowledges the importance of environment in shaping human experience, effectively creating a sanctuary that invites occupants to engage with the natural world.

Functionally, this cabin is designed to serve as a getaway for individuals or couples, providing essential amenities while maintaining a sense of intimacy and comfort. The layout is organized to facilitate both communal interactions and private moments, ensuring that users can choose to connect with others or retreat into solitude as desired. Distinctive architectural ideas shape the spatial arrangement, allowing the cabin to transition seamlessly between indoor and outdoor experiences. Large windows and sliding doors are strategically placed to enhance the relationship between the internal spaces and the external landscape, drawing in natural light and offering picturesque views.

Important aspects of the design include the selection of materials, which balances aesthetic appeal with durability and sustainability. Corrugated metal is employed for the roofing and cladding, lending a rustic charm while providing longevity. Concrete is used thoughtfully in structural elements, ensuring stability and incorporating a tactile contrast to the warmth of timber, which features prominently throughout the cabin’s interior and exterior. This careful material selection underscores a commitment to sustainability, further emphasized by potential features like a green roof and rainwater harvesting systems. Such details not only enhance the ecological footprint of the project but also enrich its aesthetic character, inviting flora back to the urban landscape.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. One of the standout features is the way the structure is adapted to the topography, maximizing sightlines and experiences that connect inhabitants with their surroundings. The design encourages exploration, with outdoor pathways leading to various amenities that enhance the overall living experience. The cabin promotes a balance between private retreats and communal areas, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of how spatial organization can foster social interaction or personal reflection.

The design’s attention to ease of use is reflected in the multi-functional spaces it offers. Living areas are intentionally designed to accommodate gatherings, yet they can also transform into serene spots for individual relaxation. This versatile approach showcases the project's commitment to creating spaces that cater to a variety of needs and preferences.

The cabin stands as a thoughtful example of how architecture can prioritize human experience while respecting the environment. The unique blend of materials, spatial organization, and an intrinsic connection to the natural landscape present a modern yet grounded vision of rural living. The decisions made throughout the project illustrate a deep engagement with architectural principles, aiming to inspire occupants to reconnect with the world around them.

For those interested in exploring this architectural endeavor further, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and nuanced architectural designs will provide deeper insights into this clever synthesis of function and nature. This project illustrates the potential of thoughtful architectural practice and its role in enhancing our lived experiences, encouraging a deeper appreciation of both the space and its context.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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