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Elevated Cabins with Cross-Laminated Timber Integrating into Natural Surroundings

Authors:
Lukas Jusas, Elena Paleckyte, Magdalena Beliavska
Elevated Cabins with Cross-Laminated Timber Integrating into Natural Surroundings

Project in-detail

Elevated on stilts and constructed from cross-laminated timber, these cabins blend seamlessly into the landscape while offering spaces for meditation and retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes ground impact for ecological preservation.
02
Use of cross-laminated timber enhances structural efficiency and aesthetic warmth.
03
Outward-opening windows frame valley views and promote nature engagement.
04
Biological water treatment system allows for sustainable wastewater reuse.
05
Innovative storage solutions expand sleeping areas to accommodate guests.

The design focuses on creating sleeping cabins within the ecological setting of Vale de Moses. These cabins function as both restful spaces and tranquil retreats that promote a connection with nature. The overall design concept highlights a careful alignment with the surrounding landscape, ensuring environmental respect and privacy for the occupants.

Cabin Placement and Form

The cabins are elevated on stilts, which reduces their impact on the ground and helps maintain the natural environment. This positioning not only is visually appealing but also allows the structures to rise gently among the vegetation. The irregular shapes of the cabins reflect the forms of the rocky slopes and dense forests, creating a cohesive architectural identity that integrates with the site.

Interior-Exterior Relationship

Each cabin emphasizes a strong connection between interior and exterior spaces. Large windows that open outward frame views of the valley, enhancing the user experience with the landscape. Semi-outdoor meditation areas extend the living space into the natural surroundings. This design approach encourages occupants to engage with nature and fosters a sense of mindfulness.

Sustainable Features

Sustainability plays an important role in the design. Solar panels provide lighting while being placed on the least visible side of the roof, minimizing any visual disturbance. Additionally, biological water cleaning devices are located beneath the bathroom floor. These systems use bacteria to treat wastewater, allowing for the reuse of cleaned water for practical purposes.

Materiality and Spatial Efficiency

Wooden beams are the primary structural material. They provide durability and warmth to the spaces. Cross-laminated timber boards are used for the interior finishes, reinforcing the connection to nature. The design incorporates clever storage solutions, allowing the sleeping area to expand when needed. This is achieved by lifting storage lids to reveal extra mattresses, optimizing the use of space.

Top lighting above the living area enhances the internal atmosphere, creating a calm environment that supports relaxation and spiritual reflection. Each aspect of the design works together to offer a unique experience, emphasizing comfort and a connection to the outdoors.

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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
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