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Elevated Retreat With Thermo-Wood and Natural Light

Author:
Mana Mohammadkhani
Elevated Retreat With Thermo-Wood and Natural Light

Project in-detail

With its screw piled foundation and large north-facing windows, the elevated cabin integrates thermo-wood construction to create a sustainable retreat that encourages immersion in the surrounding forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Screw piled foundation minimizes site disturbance.
02
Elevated sleeping area allows for efficient space use.
03
Large north-facing windows frame views of the forest.
04
Constructed with engineered thermo-wood for thermal efficiency.
05
Entry deck creates an inviting outdoor gathering space.

The design presents a contemporary interpretation of Latvian vernacular architecture, positioned within a natural landscape that enhances its purpose as a retreat. The cabin's design concept combines traditional forms with modern use, focusing on sustainability and a connection to nature. It provides a peaceful environment for occupants, emphasizing simplicity and functionality.

Foundation System

A screw piled foundation is used to support the cabin, minimizing the impact on the surrounding land. This choice keeps the site disturbance to a minimum, allowing the natural terrain to remain mostly undisturbed. The foundation elements can be fabricated on-site, using local materials, which supports sustainable practices and reduces the ecological footprint during construction.

Elevated Structure

The floor platform is made from engineered thermo-wood and is elevated above the ground. This height helps manage temperature effectively, preventing cold air from entering the interior during winter. As a result, the living space remains comfortable year-round. This design detail shows careful thoughtfulness towards seasonal weather, ensuring that the cabin is practical and inviting.

Spatial Organization

The layout prioritizes functionality by placing the sleeping area above other essential rooms, such as the bathroom, kitchen, and mechanical room. This clever arrangement maximizes the usable space while keeping the design simple and efficient. It fosters easy movement throughout the cabin, making daily activities more manageable for residents.

Connection to Nature

Large windows on the north side of the cabin allow natural light to flood the interior. They frame views of the woods beyond, inviting the outdoors in. This feature enriches the occupant's experience, creating a strong bond between the cabin and its natural surroundings. The design encourages moments of reflection, as the sights and sounds of the forest become part of daily life within the cabin.

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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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