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Energy-Generating Windows Enabling Sustainable Living In Compact Wooden Cabin

Authors:
Aleksandar Boyadzhiev, Yoanna Petrova
Energy-Generating Windows Enabling Sustainable Living In Compact Wooden Cabin

Project in-detail

The incorporation of energy-generating windows within a compact wooden structure allows for self-sufficient living against a backdrop of nature, designed explicitly for short-term occupancy in diverse environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Energy-generating windows provide all necessary electricity.
02
Cabin design allows for effective camouflage within natural landscapes.
03
Integrated water management system utilizes rainwater for sustainability.
04
Compact size promotes minimal environmental impact.
05
Interior layout fosters strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The Window Sun Cabin project presents a thoughtful approach to sustainable living within natural settings. Designed for short-term stays, the cabin offers a compact space that harmonizes with its surroundings. The primary focus is on energy-generating windows, which allow the structure to blend into the landscape while fulfilling its functional needs.

Energy Harvesting

The design incorporates energy-generating windows that provide electricity while camouflaging the cabin against its natural backdrop. These reflective elements reduce the visual impact of the structure, making it difficult to spot amid trees or near water. The cabin is oriented to capture sunlight efficiently, utilizing an inclined roof to enhance solar energy collection.

Compact Living Space

Occupying just 15 square meters and standing 360 centimeters tall, the cabin maintains a compact footprint suitable for a variety of environments. Inside, the layout embraces minimalism to foster a strong connection with the outdoors. Large front windows allow for plenty of natural light and promote fresh air circulation. While the space is small, it is carefully planned to meet the basic needs of occupants without feeling cramped.

Water Management

The design includes a functional water management system with a reservoir that can collect rainwater or draw from nearby sources. This element supports the cabin’s self-sufficiency and reduces reliance on outside utilities. Inside, amenities are strategically placed. A bathroom featuring a dry toilet and shower, as well as a compact kitchen with a sink, ensures that basic needs are met while maximizing usable space.

Material Use

Wood serves as the primary structural material, emphasizing sustainability. Columns and beams, shaped in a profile of 15 by 15 centimeters, provide stability and durability. Internal walls made of wood materials contribute to a natural aesthetic that aligns with the project’s environmentally conscious ethos. The energy-generating windows not only fulfill their energy production role but also enhance the overall design, creating a visual connection with the surrounding 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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