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Circular Cabins Constructed with Green Roofs and Perforated Timber Panels for Eco-Friendly Retreats

Author:
Ayda Grisiute
Circular Cabins Constructed with Green Roofs and Perforated Timber Panels for Eco-Friendly Retreats

Project in-detail

Constructed with circular forms and green roofs, these sustainable cabins utilize perforated timber panels to create a harmonious balance of nature and functionality for eco-friendly retreats.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced durability and sustainability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles that improve weather resistance and aesthetics.
03
Utilizes green roofs to promote biodiversity and improve thermal insulation.
04
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and structural efficiency.
05
Designed for modularity, allowing flexible configurations tailored to user needs.

### Project Overview

The Circular Cabins project is situated in a forested environment and aims to provide a sustainable living solution that encourages a strong connection with nature. The design focuses on creating functional and comfortable spaces while promoting an ecological ethos. Emphasizing modularity and integration with the natural landscape, the cabins are intended to cater to various user needs while maintaining a minimal ecological footprint.

### Spatial Dynamics and User Zones

The layout of the cabins incorporates distinct functional zones, including sleeping areas, bathing spaces, and meditation zones. Elevated sleeping areas maximize natural light and offer views of the surrounding forest, while bathing spaces are designed to facilitate relaxation and connect users with the outdoors. The circular floor plan enhances social interaction among occupants, fostering a communal atmosphere while providing opportunities for privacy.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration

Materials utilized in the design prioritize sustainability and comfort, featuring sustainably sourced timber as the primary cladding material for its warmth and aesthetic appeal. The implementation of green roofs not only improves thermal insulation but also supports local biodiversity. Perforated panels are incorporated to allow natural light into the interior while ensuring privacy, and energy-efficient polycarbonate windows enhance natural illumination. The overall material strategy reflects a commitment to ecological sensitivity and user experience.

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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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