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Elevated Timber Habitat Featuring Thatched Roof and Community Integration

Authors:
Nick Safley, Cait Cashner
Elevated Timber Habitat Featuring Thatched Roof and Community Integration

Project in-detail

Constructed with a thatched roof and sustainable timber, this elevated habitat establishes a seamless connection with its forested surroundings, providing a dedicated space for communal retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced timber, enhancing sustainability.
02
The thatched roof provides natural insulation and weather resistance.
03
Elevated design allows for unobstructed views of the surrounding forest.
04
Integrated communal areas promote social interaction among occupants.
05
Curvilinear forms mimic organic shapes found in nature.

### Project Overview

Rotingo is an architectural intervention located within a densely forested landscape, designed to facilitate a dialogue between natural and built environments. The project seeks to enhance the experience of travelers in wilderness settings by providing a shelter that integrates architectural theory with environmental psychology and artistic expression. The design concept reflects an awareness of the encroachment of nature, merging human habitation with an understanding of the surrounding ecosystem.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The interior layout of Rotingo is defined by concentric spaces that promote communal interaction while offering areas for individual retreat. The design features a sleeping loft and a central communal area, each articulated by varying ceiling heights and natural light sources, creating a dynamic living environment. Strategic openings and skylights enhance both the aesthetic quality and practical illumination of the interior, fostering a strong connection with the outdoor landscape. Elevated on metal columns, the structure provides unobstructed views and maintains a tactile relationship with the forest floor.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects both the local context and principles of sustainability. The exterior is clad in thatch, ensuring insulation and protection from rain while contributing to a rustic aesthetic. Timber forms the primary structural framework, leveraging sustainably sourced local wood to align with ecological conservation efforts. Internal elements utilize galvanized stainless steel for durability, while laminated lumber allows for flexibility in accommodating organic shapes. The integration of mosquito mesh promotes airflow while mitigating insect intrusion, further emphasizing a harmony between the structure and its natural surroundings.

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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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