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Cross-Laminated Timber Cabins with Outdoor Integration for Enhanced Accessibility

Cross-Laminated Timber Cabins with Outdoor Integration for Enhanced Accessibility
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Constructed with cross-laminated timber, these micro cabins integrate communal outdoor spaces and planning for accessibility, offering a functional retreat for wheelchair users amid nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from cross-laminated timber to enhance sustainability and structural performance.
02
Features charred wooden shingles that provide weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to promote natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes accessible outdoor spaces designed specifically for communal use and interaction.
05
Strategically located to create seamless connections with the surrounding natural environment.

## Overview
The micro cabins for wheelchair users project is located in Toney, Utah, and focuses on enhancing accessibility in outdoor environments through the design of compact living spaces. The initiative aims to provide both individual accommodation and collective experiences, fostering community engagement among residents while accommodating the specific needs of wheelchair users.

## Design Philosophy and Spatial Strategy
The design approach integrates outdoor exploration with principles of sustainable living. Each cabin is conceived as a flexible, multifaceted structure that encourages connectivity to the surrounding landscape. The open-box configuration of the cabins facilitates an indoor-outdoor relationship, allowing natural light and ventilation while promoting an active lifestyle. The layout is strategically planned to support communal areas outside the cabins, enhancing opportunities for social interaction and shared activities among residents.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
The cabins are primarily constructed from cross-laminated timber (CLT), selected for its strength and ecological benefits. Sustainable insulation materials, energy-efficient appliances, and environmentally friendly interior finishes further reinforce the project’s commitment to sustainability. The design incorporates renewable energy systems, including solar panels and wind turbines, alongside rainwater harvesting to ensure resource conservation. Such material and design choices align with passive and regenerative orientation, reinforcing the functionality and environmental stewardship of the micro cabins.

## Accessibility Features
Attention to accessibility is a core aspect of the design, with features optimized for wheelchair users. The cabins include spacious interiors with wide doorways and conveniently placed appliances to facilitate ease of use in kitchen and bathroom areas. This thoughtful configuration ensures that all users can navigate their environments comfortably, enhancing overall usability and independence within the cabins.

The overall structure aims to create networks of micro communities that enable wheelchair users to access natural settings that were previously challenging, thus expanding opportunities for adventure and social engagement in the outdoors.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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