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Concave Soundscapes Crafted with Insulated Timber Panels in a Forest Retreat

Authors:
Farzad Golestanirad, Tania Madah tarighat pasand, Pooria Golestanirad, Shirin Ghorbani
Concave Soundscapes Crafted with Insulated Timber Panels in a Forest Retreat

Project in-detail

The concave walls engineered to enhance sound isolation and the use of insulated timber panels create a unique habitat that harmonizes with the forest environment, providing a tranquil retreat for reflection and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Concave wall design enhances acoustics by directing sound to focused points of silence.
02
Insulated timber panels provide superior thermal performance in a natural setting.
03
The structure is elevated above the forest floor, fostering ecological integration.
04
Flexible hinged walls allow for adaptive openness based on user preference.
05
Natural drainage systems are integrated to protect the cabin from moisture.

This architectural project presents a cabin designed for immersive interaction with its natural environment, situated in Lithuania. It explores innovative design principles that prioritize sound, silence, and the user’s experience of nature. The dwelling not only serves as a functional space but also as a catalyst for deeper connections between occupants and the surrounding forest.

The cabin utilizes a concave wall design which focuses on sound management by directing external noise to specific points while creating areas of silence within. This acoustical consideration is paired with flexible hinges that allow walls to pivot, enabling users to adapt the cabin's openness based on their needs. The structure is elevated above the forest floor, fostering connection with the natural ecosystem while offering a unique perspective of the landscape.

The project employs several unique design approaches that distinguish it from typical cabin constructions.

Adaptive Design and Elemental Influence
The design incorporates elements of earth, water, air, and fire, linking the cabin to natural forces in a physical and metaphysical sense. The earth element forms the foundation, ensuring stability while the water element is present in integrated drainage systems that protect the structure from moisture. Air is utilized in designing open layouts for natural ventilation, and the fire element is represented through the inclusion of a chimney, creating warmth within the space.

The cabin’s platform, set at a height, not only elevates it physically but also symbolically, encouraging a meditative relationship with nature. This elevated design invites visitors to engage with the surrounding flora and fauna, making the building an integral part of its ecosystem.

Innovative Use of Materials
The project thoughtfully selects materials that enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Transparent glass fosters a strong visual connection with the environment while insulated wood panels provide thermal performance. Steel supports ensure structural stability without overwhelming the aesthetic of the design. Operable walls equipped with user-friendly mechanisms facilitate natural light and airflow management, showcasing a commitment to user adaptation.

For those interested in architectural considerations, a detailed examination of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will reveal deeper insights into how these elements collaborate to create a cohesive and functional structure. Exploring the architectural ideas behind this project may serve to further enhance understanding of its innovative approaches, efficiency, and environmental interactivity.

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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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