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Elevated Structure with Cross-Laminated Timber and Integrated Rainwater Collection Along Cycling Trails

Author:
Trevor Boyle
Elevated Structure with Cross-Laminated Timber and Integrated Rainwater Collection Along Cycling Trails

Project in-detail

Constructed with cross-laminated timber and an integrated rainwater collection system, the cabin is elevated to minimize ecological impact while providing a communal rest area for cyclists along scenic biking paths.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural integrity and thermal performance.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance.
03
Incorporates an integrated rainwater collection system to promote sustainability.
04
Elevated design reduces ecological impact by minimizing ground disturbance.
05
Designed with communal spaces to foster social interactions among users.

The ThreeFourFive cabin is an architectural project designed to serve cycling enthusiasts seeking rest areas along biking paths. This structure is organized around a simple geometric concept, utilizing three horizontal, four vertical, and five diagonal components which reflect an efficient assembly and straightforward structural organization. The project’s design underscores clarity and functionality, ensuring ease of construction while minimizing its ecological footprint through the use of sustainable materials.

Materiality and Structural Features

The ThreeFourFive cabin is constructed with locally-sourced wood for its cladding, which integrates seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Recycled steel forms the structural framework, offering both lightness and strength. The roof features an inclined design that not only enables effective rainwater collection but also accommodates solar panels for energy efficiency. The cabin stands elevated on hollow structural steel columns, minimizing ground disturbance and enabling a quick assembly process.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the project incorporates passive design principles to enhance thermal performance and incorporates systems for water management. A shared kitchen area facilitates communal living, while the sleeping areas are compact, efficiently utilizing vertical space. The interior layout includes large openings that enhance natural light and improve ventilation, optimizing the user experience within the cabin.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the standout features of the ThreeFourFive cabin is its modularity, allowing for flexibility in deployment along diverse landscapes. The assembly process is designed to be straightforward, requiring minimal groundwork and enabling rapid on-site construction. This adaptability extends to the material selection, as the cabin can be customized to utilize local resources depending on site conditions.

This project also incorporates a strong emphasis on community engagement. The design encourages interaction with shared spaces, facilitating social connections among cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. By framing the functional aspects of the cabin around community-oriented features, the project promotes a collaborative atmosphere conducive to rest and recreation.

Sustainable Practices and Environmental Harmony

The ThreeFourFive cabin exemplifies a thoughtful integration of architecture and environment. Its elevated design, combined with rainwater harvesting systems and solar energy solutions, highlights a commitment to sustainability. The architectural choices made in this project reflect an understanding of the surrounding ecosystem, ensuring that the structure complements rather than disrupts its natural environment.

Through innovative design and careful consideration of materials, the ThreeFourFive cabin serves as a model for future developments along cycling routes. Interested readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive project presentation for further insights into the architectural plans, sections, and ideas that underpin this thoughtful design.

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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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