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Gabion Walls and Thatched Roofs in a Forest Retreat

Authors:
Rajdeep Raj, Saurabh Kothari, Rashmi Singh, Priya Rathod
Gabion Walls and Thatched Roofs in a Forest Retreat

Project in-detail

The use of gabion walls and a thatched roof creates a unique forest retreat that emphasizes passive heating and a strong connection to nature, providing a tranquil space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin is elevated on stilts to enhance air circulation and protect against pests.
02
An inclined Trombe wall maximizes solar heat gain while creating dynamic light patterns.
03
The meditation space features glass walls for an unobstructed view of the forest.
04
A small fireplace in the meditation area integrates traditional tea-making practices.
05
The use of local materials minimizes environmental impact and supports regional aesthetics.

Windows of the Soul is located in a tranquil setting, designed as a retreat that connects its occupants with nature. The cabin emphasizes a relationship between the indoor space and the outside environment. Its concept focuses on sustainability and comfort while maximizing passive heat gain. The overall design encourages an appreciation for the landscape, allowing the natural surroundings to play a significant role in the experience of the cabin.

Trombe Wall Integration
The southern-facing inclined Trombe wall is a key feature of the design, made from a gabion wall topped with glass. This wall increases the amount of sunlight that enters the cabin, enhancing heat accumulation. It also allows for efficient heat dissipation, which creates interesting light patterns inside. This not only serves practical needs but also adds aesthetic value to the living space.

Spatial Organization
Inside, the cabin is divided into two zones: a meditation area and a functional space. The meditation area features glass walls on two sides, creating a connection with the forest outside. There is an oculus above, allowing natural light to fill the space, while a small fireplace below provides warmth. This thoughtful design embraces the idea of meditation as an experience that engages all senses, reinforcing a bond with the natural world.

Functional Efficiency
The functional area includes necessary amenities such as kitchen utilities and a toilet located on the ground level. An elevated bunk bed is also included, making efficient use of space. This layout supports everyday activities without compromising the peaceful atmosphere that defines the cabin. Each element is placed with care to ensure comfort for those who use the space.

Sustainable Material Usage
The project focuses on sustainability through the use of materials sourced locally. Wood and straw are applied within the walls and roof, providing insulation and contributing to efficiency in temperature control. Stone is used in the gabion wall, reflecting an effort to remain environmentally responsible. This careful selection of materials supports the overall goal of connecting the cabin to its ecological setting.

The structure sits on stilts, promoting natural air flow and water drainage around it. The thatched roof slopes toward the northeast, adding to its effectiveness in climate control. The integration of these design details fosters a strong connection to the surrounding landscape while providing a comfortable and functional living space for its inhabitants.

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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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