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Elevated Cabin Crafted From Local Stone and Charred Wooden Shingles

Authors:
Jordan Hines, Erin Ruhl
Elevated Cabin Crafted From Local Stone and Charred Wooden Shingles

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wooden shingles and local stone, the elevated cabin integrates into its forested surroundings while offering a seamless connection to nature in a modern residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with local stone, the cabin minimizes its environmental impact.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing fire resistance.
03
Elevated on piers, the design offers unique views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Large skylights are strategically placed to optimize natural light throughout.
05
Built-in furniture maximizes space efficiency while maintaining a cohesive design.

## Project Overview

The residential cabin is situated in a forested landscape featuring mature trees and an adjoining water body. The design aims to establish a harmonious relationship with its natural context, focusing on both aesthetic appeal and functional characteristics. The intent is to create a space where occupants can immerse themselves in the surrounding environment, fostering a deeper connection with nature.

## Integration with Surroundings

The architectural form is characterized by a meticulous integration with the forest backdrop. The cabin's angular forms and flat surfaces are designed to echo the undulating landscape, enabling an enhanced interaction between the occupants and their environment. By incorporating large windows and sliding doors, the design facilitates a continuous flow between interior and exterior spaces, allowing for unobstructed views and natural light.

### Material Selection and Craftsmanship

The choice of materials plays a crucial role in reinforcing the building’s connection to its setting. Treated timber with an orange finish serves as the cabin's primary exterior cladding, offering warmth and visual continuity with the forest. This is complemented by locally sourced stone, which grounds the structure in its environment and emphasizes ecological awareness. The interiors feature natural wood finishes and exposed structural elements that enhance the overall craftsmanship, contributing to a cozy atmosphere while maintaining functional efficiency.

### Spatial Configuration

The interior layout prioritizes openness while accommodating distinct living and private areas. Built-in furnishings provide spatial efficiency, seamlessly integrating with the overall design. The elevation of the cabin on piers minimizes its environmental impact and optimizes views of the surrounding landscape, contributing to a robust interplay between built form and natural surroundings. The careful arrangement of spaces encourages both privacy and communal interaction, allowing occupants to experience the richness of the forest and water views from various vantage points.

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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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