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Glulam Beams and Forest Views in a Sustainable Mountain Retreat

Author:
Zach Falor
Glulam Beams and Forest Views in a Sustainable Mountain Retreat

Project in-detail

With a structural framework of glulam beams and expansive glass walls that frame forest views, the cabin serves as a sustainable retreat designed to seamlessly integrate with its mountainous surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Energy generation through integrated photovoltaic panels enhances sustainability.
02
Custom furniture allows for versatile space usage and adaptability.
03
An all-glass shower provides views of the surrounding forest.
04
A two-story fireplace serves both levels for efficient heating.
05
Manual louvers facilitate natural ventilation and airflow control.

Black Ridge is located in a mountainous area and is designed to blend into its environment. The cabin serves as a retreat, providing privacy and opportunities for viewing the landscape. The design focuses on creating a connection between the building and the natural surroundings, enhancing the experience for those who occupy it.

Architectural Form and Layout

The cabin has two separate floors, each designed for different purposes. The main level is positioned under the tree canopy, creating a sheltered space. It includes essential areas like the kitchen, lounge, and bathroom, all arranged to create a comfortable flow from the outside to the inside.



Interior Features and Materials

The lounge area centers around a fireplace, which adds warmth to the space. Directly next to this area, a spa tub offers large windows, allowing those inside to look out at the surrounding forest. The furniture in the cabin is designed to be flexible and can be rearranged for various activities, making it suitable for both relaxation and social gatherings.



Upper Level and Connectivity

On the upper floor, there is a spacious sleeping area that also includes another fireplace, ensuring comfort throughout the cabin. This level is designed to highlight views across the valley and features a private patio that helps connect the indoors with the outdoors.



Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability is an integral part of the design. Natural ventilation is possible through manual louvers that help create cross-breezes. Radiant heating maintains comfortable temperatures within the cabin. The main glass wall faces north-northeast, maximizing natural light and minimizing the need for artificial lighting. Additionally, photovoltaic panels provide on-site energy, supporting the cabin’s sustainability goals.



Glulam beams are used in the structural framework, providing both strength and a sense of openness inside. Each design choice works together to connect the cabin with its surroundings, creating a living space that respects and embraces nature. The overall effect is a balanced architecture that encourages inhabitants to engage with the landscape around them.

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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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