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Elemental Design Featuring Heat-Treated Wood and Glazed Facades in Sustainable Hillside Cabins

Authors:
Barbara Selinšek, Stasha Jobanovikj
Elemental Design Featuring Heat-Treated Wood and Glazed Facades in Sustainable Hillside Cabins

Project in-detail

Drawing inspiration from the elemental forces of nature, the cabins utilize heat-treated wood and expansive glazed facades to create a serene retreat that fosters mindful living amidst a hillside landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabins feature a circular layout that transitions into rectangular forms, promoting both openness and efficiency.
02
Heat-treated wood is utilized for enhanced durability and integration with the natural environment.
03
Large glazed panels provide panoramic views and maximize natural light within the living spaces.
04
The design incorporates terrace gardens that encourage outdoor interaction and connection with the landscape.
05
Sustainable systems, including natural ventilation and rainwater harvesting, are seamlessly integrated into the architecture.
The Ether Cabins project is a harmonious residential design that prioritizes the integration of human living spaces with the surrounding natural environment. This architectural endeavor represents a response to contemporary living needs while emphasizing sustainability, mindfulness, and a deep connection to nature. Situated on a hillside location, the cabins embody a thoughtful engagement with their geographical context, presenting an inviting retreat for individuals seeking tranquility.

Functionally, the Ether Cabins serve as versatile living spaces that foster both individual reflection and communal interaction. The design incorporates a range of areas that accommodate various activities, including cooking, relaxation, meditation, and social gatherings. Each cabin is organized to promote openness and flexibility, allowing residents to adapt spaces according to their needs. The architecture encourages a lifestyle that embraces simplicity and connection—to nature, to oneself, and to others.

Key elements of the design include a circular layout that transitions into rectangular forms, which not only optimizes spatial efficiency but also echoes the natural beauty of the site. Each cabin features large glazed panels that invite ample natural light, creating bright interiors and enhancing the occupants’ connection with the outdoor landscape. Terraces and window gardens further blur the lines between inside and outside, supporting diverse interactions with nature.

Material selection plays a crucial role in the Ether Cabins project. The use of heat-treated wood for both exterior and interior surfaces aligns with the natural surroundings, providing a warm, organic aesthetic. A robust steel frame serves as the core structural component, ensuring durability and stability throughout. The integration of cork and local woods such as pine and cedar enriches the tactile experience within the cabins, while fired brick slabs are utilized for flooring to ensure comfort and longevity.

The project employs a variety of unique design approaches that enhance its value. One notable aspect is the emphasis on the five elements of life: earth, water, air, fire, and ether. Each cabin is designed to embody one of these elements, offering residents an opportunity for personal reflection and mindfulness in their surroundings. This elemental focus extends into the sustainable systems integrated into the architecture, such as natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting, and solar energy solutions, which highlight an ongoing commitment to ecological responsibility.

Moreover, the spatial organization of the cabins promotes adaptability. Flexible living areas can easily transition from quiet contemplation spaces to lively social settings, addressing the evolving needs of occupants. The design's orientation and layout thoughtfully consider natural light and airflow, ensuring comfort and sustainability for year-round living.

By combining aesthetic qualities with functional design, the Ether Cabins stand as a testament to what modern architecture can achieve in terms of environmental responsibility and human connectivity. This project invites exploration, offering a thoughtful perspective on how architecture can shape our interactions with the world around us. To dive deeper into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that informed this project, readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its vision and execution.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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