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Flexible Living Solution Crafted from Spruce and Eco-Friendly Materials

Flexible Living Solution Crafted from Spruce and Eco-Friendly Materials
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Crafted from sustainable spruce and equipped with an innovative modular system, the MicroCabin offers a compact and adaptable living solution designed for environmentally conscious users seeking flexibility in their dwelling.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from lightweight spruce, enhancing mobility and structural efficiency.
02
Incorporates flexible wood fiber insulation for superior energy performance.
03
Features panoramic windows for natural light and connection to the environment.
04
Designed with a modular system allowing for easy spatial adaptation.
05
Includes integrated rainwater harvesting to promote resource efficiency.

### Overview

The MicroCabin TH_EM780 is designed to address the need for sustainable and flexible living solutions across diverse environments. With a compact footprint of approximately 20 square meters, this structure caters to individuals or small households in both urban and rural settings. The design focuses on modularity and mobility, facilitating ease of relocation while integrating practical living spaces that prioritize efficiency and ecological sustainability.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The interior layout maximizes spatial utility, featuring dedicated zones for living, cooking, sleeping, and hygiene. The living area includes adaptable furniture, such as foldable tables and chairs, allowing for reconfiguration based on user activities. A compact kitchen is outfitted with essential amenities, and the sleeping loft is designed to offer comfort and privacy while providing expansive views through strategically placed windows. Additional features, such as integrated storage solutions and smart design elements, enhance accessibility and user satisfaction, ensuring a versatile living experience.

### Material Choices and Energy Efficiency

Constructed using a timber frame method with sustainable materials, such as spruce wood and flexible wood fiber insulation, the MicroCabin minimizes environmental impact while maintaining structural integrity. Energy efficiency is further achieved through a high-capacity photovoltaic system, which meets a significant portion of the cabin's energy needs, and a rainwater harvesting system. The design includes weather-resistant elements, such as moisture-variable vapor barriers and titanium zinc roofing, promoting resilience and longevity in various climates. Large windows enhance natural lighting, contributing not only to energy efficiency but also to the overall living experience through visual connection with the surrounding environment.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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