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Elevated Retreat Featuring Larch and EPDM in a Forested Landscape

Authors:
Jakub Kender, Margarita Afanasyeva
Elevated Retreat Featuring Larch and EPDM in a Forested Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with larch wood and equipped with EPDM roofing, an elevated cabin provides a secluded retreat designed for deep engagement with the surrounding forest environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced larch wood for sustainability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Features a micro-tipping design that adapts to various terrain conditions while ensuring structural stability.
03
The elevated cabin design promotes a unique perspective of the surrounding forest, enhancing the immersive experience.
04
Incorporates EPDM roofing for durability and waterproofing in a minimalistic profile.
05
Strategically positioned large windows optimize natural light while minimizing heat loss through advanced insulation techniques.
The Reconnection Cabin is an architectural project characterized by its emphasis on minimalism and integration with the surrounding environment. Designed as a retreat within a forested area, the cabin serves to facilitate reflection and disconnection from everyday life. The project harnesses a dual-level structure, where the ground floor symbolizes isolation and the upper level represents reconnection with nature. This design approach is focused on creating an immersive experience, where users are invited to engage deeply with their natural surroundings.

Spatial Organization

The Reconnection Cabin is divided into two distinct functional levels. The ground floor acts as a utility space, featuring essential amenities, including storage and a dry toilet, thereby maintaining a self-sufficient environment. This area is designed with minimal enclosure, promoting openness and the essential purpose of retreating from distractions. The upper floor is designed for living and reflection, featuring a large window that provides panoramic views of the forest, allowing ample natural light to fill the space. The vertical connection between the two levels is facilitated by a ladder, which serves as a transitional element, both physically and conceptually, guiding users from solitude to a sense of belonging within nature.

Design Approach and Unique Features

A significant aspect of the Reconnection Cabin is its innovative use of materials and architectural techniques. The cabin employs local timber, specifically construction timber such as larch or spruce, which not only establishes a visual connection with the surrounding flora but also promotes sustainability through the use of locally sourced resources. The exterior features wooden slats that mirror the verticality of the trees nearby, thereby blending the structure into its landscape.

Additionally, the cabin incorporates a micro-tipping design that enhances its adaptability to various terrain types, ensuring versatility in different environmental conditions. Special attention is given to natural light, which is harnessed through strategically placed windows and skylights, reinforcing the bond between interior spaces and the natural world outside.

Environmental Considerations

The Reconnection Cabin is constructed with careful consideration for environmental impact. It employs mineral insulation to promote thermal efficiency, while vapor barriers and membranes protect against moisture intrusion. The roof is designed with EPDM roofing foil, offering durability and waterproofing. These elements collectively contribute to the cabin's sustainability, ensuring that the project aligns with contemporary architectural goals of minimizing ecological footprints while maximizing user experience.

For those interested in detailed insights into the Reconnection Cabin, it is recommended to explore the architectural plans, sections, and other design elements. The unique integration of functional spaces, materiality, and environmental mindfulness makes this project a noteworthy example of contemporary architecture focused on reconnecting individuals with nature.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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