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Elevated Cabin with Windy 2000 and Plywood in a Therapeutic Setting

Authors:
Edita Vinca, Kristina Radeska
Elevated Cabin with Windy 2000 and Plywood in a Therapeutic Setting

Project in-detail

An elevated cabin constructed with plywood and Windy 2000 vapour barriers serves as a therapeutic space, thoughtfully designed to integrate with the natural landscape while optimizing functionality and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated 2.5 meters above ground using stabilization cables.
02
Incorporates a linear drain system to manage rainwater effectively.
03
Features skylights for natural lighting and passive ventilation.
04
Utilizes rainwater collection for irrigation in surrounding gardens.
05
Designed with wall-mounted folding benches for space efficiency.

The design focuses on creating therapeutic spaces that blend harmoniously with the landscape of Vale de Moses. The project aims to enhance the well-being of users by organizing functional areas that serve both communal and individual needs. The design concept emphasizes a strong connection between inside spaces and the adjacent natural environment, promoting a calming atmosphere for its intended purpose.

Functional Layout

The layout features distinct zones, including storage areas, washing facilities, and dressing rooms. Each space is designed with efficiency in mind. Wall-mounted folding benches in the dressing rooms allow for better use of the limited space. The presence of a Water Closet, referred to as "Cinderella Comfort," ensures that comfort and hygiene are prioritized in the design.

Sustainable Practices

Environmental considerations play a key role in the design. A fluid drainage system with floor linear drains effectively manages water, particularly from the skylights. This reflects an understanding of the local climate and enhances sustainability. Natural light streams into the space through strategically positioned skylights, which also support ventilation and contribute to an overall pleasant indoor environment.

Renewable Energy Integration

Vale de Moses receives an average of 2500 hours of sunlight per year, and the design takes advantage of this with photovoltaic panels. These panels are incorporated in a way that they provide both natural light and energy for the facility. This approach aligns with understanding ecological impact and reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.

Adaptable Structure

Two potential placements for the cabin are presented. One option places it 2.5 meters above the ground, supported by stabilization cables on a pine tree. The other option allows for placement on the ground without reliance on trees. The design offers flexibility to fit varying site conditions and user requirements. Materials used include plywood, Windy 2000 vapour barriers, and 45x45 aluminum structures, enhancing the building's durability and thermal effectiveness.

Rainwater collection systems are integrated as a part of the design, with collected water used for irrigation in the surrounding gardens. This not only supports sustainability but also enriches the landscape around the therapeutic space, creating a supportive environment for both nature and users.

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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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