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Cork Wood Cabin Emphasizing Rainwater Harvesting and Full-View Integration

Authors:
Müge Develier, Kadir Öztürk, Emrah Kuşener, Poupak Parvaresh
Cork Wood Cabin Emphasizing Rainwater Harvesting and Full-View Integration

Project in-detail

Utilizing cork wood and a dynamic facade that adapts to weather conditions, this cabin employs rainwater harvesting and extensive views to create a meditative retreat deeply connected to its natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork wood construction enhances thermal insulation and sustainability.
02
Dynamic facade adjusts to weather conditions for improved energy efficiency.
03
Rainwater collection system supports non-drinking water usage.
04
Full-view windows create immersive connections with the surrounding landscape.
05
Minimalist interior facilitates flexible use for meditation and reflection.

Bloom in the Cork is located in Portugal within the Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat. The setting supports a Mediterranean climate with rich biodiversity. The design emphasizes a strong connection between the natural environment and the built structure. It serves as a space for meditation, solitude, and interaction with nature while drawing inspiration from the nearby cork trees found in the landscape.

Dynamic Facade

The cabin includes a dynamic facade that responds to the changing weather. This feature improves energy efficiency and overall comfort. Motor-driven mechanisms operated by solar energy allow the facade to adapt, reducing the need for traditional heating and cooling methods. This thoughtful design element enhances the building's functionality throughout different weather conditions.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a central focus. Solar panels on the gently sloped roof provide hot water and support rainwater collection. The system allows for conservation, with collected water available for non-drinking purposes, such as watering gardens. These practices illustrate a commitment to reducing environmental impact and using resources responsibly.

Interior Design

Inside, the cabin showcases a minimalist design aimed at creating a calm atmosphere. The choice to limit accessories leads to open spaces that encourage meditation and reflection. Designated areas for foldable meditation mattresses and cushions offer flexibility, ensuring that the space can adapt to various needs while maintaining a sense of simplicity.

Natural Integration

Large windows frame views of the surrounding landscape, inviting the outdoors into the living areas. This connection enhances the user experience and connects inhabitants with the beauty of nature. The design values the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing occupants to appreciate the changing scenery as they move through the cabin.

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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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