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Cork-Block Retreat Elevated Among Trees for Restful Reflection

Authors:
Ayman Makki, Karma Makki, Lara Machlab
Cork-Block Retreat Elevated Among Trees for Restful Reflection

Project in-detail

Elevated among trees, the cork-block retreat offers a unique connection to nature while providing a tranquil space for rest and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork blocks provide natural insulation and durability for the sleeping pod.
02
The structure is elevated to minimize ground impact and enhance views.
03
Direct access to nature is emphasized through the sleeping area’s ground connection.
04
The roof deck offers a unique treetop perspective for contemplation.
05
The arrangement mimics the sleep cycle, creating a natural flow between spaces.

The design explores the different stages of sleep, presenting a sleeping pod that integrates with its natural surroundings. Set in a forest, the pod encourages a strong connection with nature while offering a quiet space for rest and reflection. The concept takes the biological aspects of sleep and translates them into distinct areas that influence how users interact with both their environment and themselves.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the sleeping pod mimics the stages of the sleep cycle, allowing for a smooth transition between different areas. The washroom is closest to the ground, representing the lighter phases of sleep that require easy access. Above this, the sleeping area connects directly to the earth, providing a grounding experience essential for restorative rest. This thoughtful organization underscores the relationship between the physical space and the physiological needs of the user.



Living Hub

The main living space serves as a central point that connects the various zones of the pod. It encourages social interaction and facilitates movement to the more private areas dedicated to rest and contemplation. By linking these experiences, the design promotes community while maintaining a sense of intimacy.



Elevation and Connection

The sleeping pod’s elevation above ground allows it to take up a minimal footprint, helping it blend with the surrounding forest. This height encourages users to engage actively with their environment, enhancing the feeling of peace and immersion in nature. The connection between the structure and the trees creates a harmonious balance, inviting users to experience the tranquil landscape.



Material Selection

Selected materials serve practical and ecological purposes, enhancing the user experience. The lower part of the sleeping pod uses cork blocks to provide durability and natural insulation. The upper portion is made from lighter wood, promoting a sense of airiness and strengthening the bond between the building and its natural context. This careful choice of materials addresses sustainability and improves the tactile interaction between users and their environment.



The roof deck, positioned high among the treetops, provides a quiet area for reflection. This space emphasizes the link between the inhabitants of the pod and the surrounding natural world. The design captures the essence of restful sleep, encouraging a deeper engagement with nature and personal well-being.

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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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