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Forest Cabin Constructed with Natural Stone and Plain Concrete

Author:
Panagiotis Lampronikos
Forest Cabin Constructed with Natural Stone and Plain Concrete

Project in-detail

Constructed with natural stone and plain concrete, the forest cabin offers a minimalist retreat that integrates essential amenities with the surrounding landscape for immersive nature experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a pit beneath the cabin for essential facilities.
02
Incorporates a fireplace that serves as the cabin's primary light source.
03
Uses local natural stone to reinforce the structure's integration with the landscape.
04
Features two opposing openings to enhance natural light and ventilation.
05
Emphasizes a minimalist layout without furniture, focusing on simplicity.

The primordial forest cabin is situated in a tranquil natural environment, designed to provide a retreat for those seeking to connect with nature. The structure encourages occupants to engage with their surroundings, drawing inspiration from the sensory experiences found in forest landscapes. The focus is on simplicity and practicality, allowing a harmonious relationship between the cabin and the wilderness. This approach aims to promote a greater understanding of humanity’s place in the natural world.

Design Elements

The cabin features a straightforward square shape and a sloped roof, which help reduce its visual impact on the forest. With two openings on opposite sides, natural light and fresh air are invited into the space. This design choice enhances the interaction between the interior and the outside world. The views framed by these openings encourage occupants to appreciate the beauty of nature and heighten the contrast between the built environment and its natural surroundings.

Functional Aspects

Underneath the cabin, a pit is included to house necessary facilities, such as a small dry toilet. This arrangement ensures that practical elements are easily accessible while reinforcing the compact nature of the structure. Using natural stone and plain concrete planks, the pit is made durable yet unobtrusive, blending into the landscape so that it does not disrupt the overall experience of the forest.

Atmospheric Elements

A fireplace is integrated within the cabin, serving as a key feature to provide warmth and comfort. It becomes a gathering point for occupants, especially during the night when firelight is the main source of illumination. This soft, flickering light creates a cozy atmosphere, inviting deeper reflection and connection to the surroundings. The interplay of shadows and light enriches the sensory experience, encouraging a closer bond with the natural setting.

Spatial Dynamics

The design highlights a minimalist approach that values clear functionality over decorative elements. Each component is thoughtfully integrated to facilitate a meaningful experience within the forest. This attention to space promotes awareness of the environment, enabling a richer relationship with the landscape.

The interior of the cabin is painted white, contrasting with the vibrant greens around it. This choice allows the natural surroundings to command attention, reinforcing the idea of living in harmony with the forest. With these design choices, the cabin effectively embodies the spirit of close living with nature, emphasizing both comfort and connection to the environment.

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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
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