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Corten Steel Cabins with Central Fire Space in a Modular Community Core

Author:
Richard Kleinig
Corten Steel Cabins with Central Fire Space in a Modular Community Core

Project in-detail

Rotating cabin units constructed from Corten steel surround a central fire area, forming a modular community core designed to enhance user interaction and connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rotating cabin modules optimize views and ventilation.
02
Centrally located fire area encourages community interaction.
03
Constructed with Corten steel to enhance weathering characteristics.
04
Designed for modular expansion based on user needs.
05
Integrates local materials to blend with the surrounding landscape.

The design presents a thoughtful approach to creating spaces that foster community interactions. Located within a landscape that promotes connectivity and engagement, the concept revolves around a circular form that serves as a hub for social activities. The central core invites users to gather, while the surrounding cabin units are arranged to accommodate various activities and amenities. This layout promotes a strong sense of belonging among users, encouraging them to enjoy their surroundings while connecting with each other.

Community Engagement

At the heart of the project is a circular layout that emphasizes community building. The central core serves as a gathering space, inviting individuals to participate in shared experiences. This open design facilitates social events and informal gatherings, allowing people to come together and celebrate. By arranging the cabin units around the core, the design enhances opportunities for interaction, drawing people to explore and utilize the space.

Modular Design

Modularity is a key aspect of the design, allowing for flexibility in the configuration of cabin units. Each module can rotate around the central core, optimizing views and providing privacy when needed. This adaptability meets the diverse preferences of users, accommodating different levels of amenities at various stops. The use of a steel chassis frame offers both strength and the ability to modify the layout as required, making it easy to adjust to specific needs.

Material Considerations

Material choices are carefully made to enhance durability and sustainability. Local materials are prioritized to create a strong connection with the environment. The project features European Larch for the exterior of the cabins, providing a natural aesthetic that withstands changing weather. Corten steel is incorporated as well, its weathering characteristics helping the structures blend into the landscape over time. These selections support the design’s goal of maintaining a relationship between the built environment and the natural setting.

Design Details

A central fire area is a notable feature within the communal space. It serves as a focal point, inviting users to gather and socialize. This element encourages interaction and enhances the sense of community. Additionally, the design includes strategic wayfinding signage and branding elements that improve navigation around the site. An information panel in the communal dining pod provides details about nearby cycling routes, helping visitors understand their options while navigating the area. These thoughtful details contribute to a user-friendly experience throughout the project.

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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

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competition now

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