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Elevated Living with Reinforced Concrete and Cross Laminated Timber

Authors:
Györgyi teréz Jánszky, Vanda Beatrix Buriana
Elevated Living with Reinforced Concrete and Cross Laminated Timber

Project in-detail

Elevated 2.4 meters above the landscape, the cabin combines a reinforced concrete core with Cross Laminated Timber to create efficient living spaces that harmonize with the surrounding hillside while promoting environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated 2.4 meters to enhance views and reduce site impact.
02
Utilizes a reinforced concrete core for structural stability and rainwater collection.
03
Incorporates Cross Laminated Timber for quick assembly and sustainability.
04
Features a trombe wall for passive solar heating efficiency.
05
Includes a sunken hot tub in the atrium for indoor-outdoor relaxation.

The cabin is designed to fit naturally into its hillside location, focusing on reducing its impact on the environment. It provides functional living spaces while responding thoughtfully to the landscape. The overall design revolves around separating functional areas from living spaces, allowing for both practicality and a strong connection to the outdoor surroundings.

Structural Foundation

The cabin sits on a core made from reinforced concrete, which is partially set into the ground. This foundation gives the building stability and supports the collection and purification of rainwater. Above the core, an elevated platform creates space for living areas, using Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) to promote sustainability and facilitate quicker construction. This design ensures the natural ecosystem remains undisturbed.

Energy Solutions

Sustainability is a key focus, with solar panels installed to provide all necessary energy. A ground-source heat pump supplies heating through an underfloor system, making the cabin energy efficient. In addition, a fireplace brings comfort during colder months. A trombe wall positioned in front of the north-facing glass facade helps retain solar heat, further improving the building’s energy performance.

Spatial Dynamics

The design includes a central atrium that encourages interaction between the interior and nature. A sunken hot tub is featured in this atrium, enhancing relaxation while being surrounded by the natural landscape. Large glass walls throughout the cabin allow for expansive views and create a strong feeling of connection to the outdoors, making the transition from inside to outside feel natural.

Adaptability and Privacy

Flexibility is fundamental to the design, enabling the cabin to be adjusted to meet changing needs. This allows for a sense of intimacy and security for everyone inside. The thoughtful layout accommodates various social dynamics while maintaining a close relationship with the surrounding trees and greenery.

The building is raised 2.4 meters off the ground, giving it a weightless appearance that highlights the landscape's beauty. Every detail of the design contributes to a balanced experience of openness and privacy, ensuring both functionality and comfort.

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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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