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Elevated Retreat with Coated Steel and Red Fir Harmony

Authors:
Erica Mazzoni, Silvia Zatti
Elevated Retreat with Coated Steel and Red Fir Harmony

Project in-detail

Elevated above the ground on a stilt system, this cabin utilizes coated steel and red fir to create a sustainable retreat that emphasizes meditation and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation room designed to maximize morning sunlight.
02
Stilt system elevates the cabin to mitigate ground moisture.
03
Rainwater collection system with a hand pump for self-sufficiency.
04
Coated steel pillars provide structural durability and stability.
05
Windows feature triple glazing for enhanced thermal performance.

The Meditation Silent Cabin offers a calming space designed for mindfulness and reflection. Situated in a natural setting, the cabin focuses on connecting its occupants with the outdoors while providing functional areas for daily activities. The design combines simplicity and practicality, ensuring the building integrates well with its environment.

Spatial Organization

The cabin features a total area of 15 square meters, containing essential spaces like a meditation room, kitchen/living area, sleeping room, dry toilet, and terrace. The meditation room, spanning 5 square meters, is located to capture morning light, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. This careful arrangement allows each space to effectively serve its purpose while promoting a smooth transition throughout the cabin.

Structural Design

Raising the cabin on a stilt system addresses issues related to moisture from the ground. This decision comes from a careful assessment of the local climate. The structure relies on coated steel pillars for strength and durability, providing isolation from humidity. By elevating the cabin, it not only protects against weather challenges but also affords stunning views of the surroundings.

Sustainability Features

The design incorporates an efficient rainwater collection system. Water from the roof flows into a cistern located beneath the sink, which has a filtration system. A hand pump makes accessing water simple. Additionally, there is a removable cistern for managing wastewater sustainably, reflecting a commitment to responsible living without sacrificing convenience.

Performance and Insulation

Windows in the cabin include triple glazing as well as an extra layer of double glazing. This design helps with both temperature control and sound insulation. The materials chosen, such as wood beams and shingles made from red fir, along with OSB panels, create a natural aesthetic that complements the setting without overpowering it.

The cabin finishes with a terrace that encourages outdoor living. This area blends the indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing residents to enjoy the views and fresh air while maintaining a feeling of shelter 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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