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Elevated Retreat Featuring Glazed Windows and Timber Slats

Author:
Nico Chua
Elevated Retreat Featuring Glazed Windows and Timber Slats

Project in-detail

The elevated structure, with its large glazed windows and timber slats, offers a seamless connection to the forest environment, providing a tranquil retreat for guests seeking solitude in nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes land disturbance.
02
Large glazed windows enhance natural light and views.
03
Incorporates an efficient rainwater collection system.
04
Timber slats provide structural support and aesthetic warmth.
05
Compact footprint facilitates easy assembly and transport.

The views³ pod is a retreat designed to provide a calming environment in a forest setting. It aims to create a space where people can connect with nature and enjoy a break from daily life. The design prioritizes simplicity and functionality. The structure is compact, yet fully equipped to serve as a comfortable accommodation.

Spatial Organization

Inside the views³ pod, the layout maximizes the use of space. It features specific areas for living, storage, and restroom facilities. This organization allows people to move easily and live comfortably within a small area. By elevating the structure off the ground, guests can take in views of the treetops, which enhances their experience of the surrounding environment while reducing their impact on the land.

Transparency and Connection

Large floor-to-ceiling windows play a significant role in the design. They allow ample natural light to enter the space and create a visual connection between the indoors and outdoors. This design choice invites nature into the living area and provides a constantly changing backdrop that enriches daily activities. The result is a comfortable environment that encourages relaxation and appreciation for the natural world outside.

Sustainable Features

The pod incorporates various sustainable design features, with a focus on minimizing its environmental impact. A water collection and reuse system is integrated into the structure. The slanted roofs effectively channel rainwater into gutters, which direct the water to storage tanks. This system provides practical benefits while highlighting the importance of self-sufficiency in an outdoor setting.

Materiality

The materials used in the views³ pod support its design and functionality. Timber slats are utilized for structural elements, promoting a connection with the forest. The large glazed glass windows not only provide daylight but also ensure good thermal performance. A metal frame supports the structure, enhancing its stability. Non-loadbearing walls define spaces without adding unnecessary weight. Inside, hardwood flooring contributes to a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it an inviting place for visitors.

The careful design of the views³ pod reflects a commitment to environmental sensitivity and user experience. Each detail has been chosen to enhance interaction with the natural setting, offering a space that encourages reflection and tranquility.

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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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