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Elevated Cabins with Dark Wood Facades and Harmonious Lake Views

Author:
Carlos Enríquez
Elevated Cabins with Dark Wood Facades and Harmonious Lake Views
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Elevated on posts and clad in a dark wood facade, the cabin overlooks tranquil lake views, offering versatile spaces for relaxation and contemplation within a serene forest setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design to enhance lake view access.
02
Constructed with a dark wooden facade for durability.
03
Large windows maximize natural light throughout.
04
Includes a wood stove for warmth in colder months.
05
Organized functional spaces for relaxation and study.

The design centers around a modern cabin set within a forested area. The retreat provides a space for relaxation and reconnection with nature. The overall design concept emphasizes simplicity and functionality, making the structure blend well with its environment. The aesthetics reflect a commitment to creating a living space that resonates with the natural landscape.

Materiality and Structure
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The cabin uses a dark wooden façade that aligns with the trees and earth. This choice of material is practical for resisting the wear of weather while maintaining visual appeal. Elevated on posts, the cabin promotes airflow beneath the structure and prevents flooding. This height advantage also offers wider views of the lush surroundings, connecting the occupants to the landscape.

Interior Layout
-
Inside, the layout is designed for comfort and efficiency. Windows are strategically placed to bring in natural light and frame picturesque views of the outdoors. This careful positioning creates a bright atmosphere that changes with the light throughout the day.

Functional Zones
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The interior spaces are organized to meet different needs. Areas are set aside for relaxing, studying, and contemplation. Each section serves its purpose well while contributing to a unified living space. This arrangement recognizes the importance of adaptability in daily life, ensuring the cabin accommodates various activities.

Design Details
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A wood stove serves as a key feature in the living area, providing warmth and contributing to a sense of coziness. This element not only functions practically but also enriches the inviting atmosphere inside. Attention to detail is apparent, with places designed for occupants to enjoy views, such as a bench looking out over a tranquil lake. The careful thought put into these elements fosters a strong connection between the interior space and the natural world outside.

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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.

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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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