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Elevated Stilt Structures Featuring Laminated Timber and Expansive Glazing in a Serene Forest Setting

Author:
Yeşi̇m Hatirli
Elevated Stilt Structures Featuring Laminated Timber and Expansive Glazing in a Serene Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Constructed on elevated stilts, this glamping unit utilizes laminated timber and expansive glazing to seamlessly blend with the surrounding forest, offering guests a unique immersion in nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed on stilts to minimize environmental impact and promote drainage.
02
Incorporates extensive glazing for unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Utilizes locally sourced laminated timber to enhance sustainability.
04
Features charred wooden shingles for fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Designed with a modular layout to allow for future adaptation and expansion.

**Overview**
The Serender project is situated in the İkizdere region of Rize Province, Turkey, within the İkizdere Longoz Forest National Park along the Black Sea coast. The initiative focuses on creating a unique glamping experience that blends luxury accommodation with a strong emphasis on ecological sustainability and harmony with the natural surroundings. The design is intended to foster a close relationship between guests and the landscape, providing an immersive lodging experience.

**Spatial Strategy and Environmental Integration**
The architectural approach prioritizes minimalism and integrative design, resulting in structures that minimize ecological impact while enhancing guest experiences. The buildings are arranged in a network of interconnected units, offering varied degrees of privacy and communal areas that encourage social interaction among guests. This layout supports exploration of both individual accommodations and shared spaces, promoting a sense of community.

Elevated on stilts, the sleeping units enable an unobstructed flow of the landscape beneath and address potential environmental challenges, such as flooding and soil erosion. Large windows provide expansive views of the forest and lake, further immersing occupants in the surrounding natural environment.

**Materiality and Design Considerations**
Material selection plays a crucial role in the project's ethos, with a focus on local sourcing and sustainability. Key materials include laminated timber and planks for structural elements, which offer warmth and texture, while expansive glass windows facilitate natural lighting and views that connect the interiors with the outdoors. Minimal use of local stone for foundations and pathways respects local geology, and durable metal elements, such as aluminum or steel, are incorporated for modern aesthetics.

The design reflects traditional Turkish architectural elements, seamlessly integrating contemporary techniques with local cultural identity. Each unit's modular design allows for future adaptability, ensuring responsiveness to visitor needs and environmental contexts while preserving the natural landscape.

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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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