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Hammock Retreat with Rainwater Integration and Operable Windows

Authors:
Ismail Hutet, Lynn Atme, Reem Al awar
Hammock Retreat with Rainwater Integration and Operable Windows

Project in-detail

A unique outdoor hammock complements the cabin’s innovative rainwater management system and operable windows, creating a self-sufficient retreat designed for meditation and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique rainwater collection system channels water for outdoor use.
02
Balcony integrated with a tea garden enhances outdoor experience.
03
Hammock space designed for relaxation in nature.
04
Operable windows throughout optimize ventilation and light.
05
Private ground level features an outdoor shower for a natural retreat.

The cabin is designed to help visitors move from busy urban life to a peaceful, meditative experience. Set in a natural environment, the design emphasizes a connection with the surroundings and creates a space for reflection and calm. The overall concept aims to provide a shelter that supports both physical needs and mental well-being.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the cabin is organized into four levels, each serving a different purpose: silence and meditation, mind and rest, physical body needs, and a search for silence and discovery. This arrangement allows for a natural flow from areas that focus on daily activities to those dedicated to introspection. Each level plays a role in enhancing the overall experience of users.

Vertical Design Solution

To make efficient use of space, the design reduces the cabin's footprint by stacking the levels vertically, bringing a total area down from 15 square meters to just 5 square meters. This approach not only helps preserve the natural setting but also improves light and air circulation within the cabin. By removing certain volumes, the design achieves a better connection between the interior spaces and the outside environment, maximizing natural light and creating an airy feel.

Functional Layers

Each level holds specific functions that cater to the needs of the occupants. The ground level features a private area that includes an outdoor shower, a cooking fireplace, a tea garden, and a hammock. This space promotes relaxation and encourages interaction with nature. The first level focuses on basic physical requirements, with a kitchen, dry toilet, and storage integrated into the design. The second level combines areas for work and rest, including a bed, workspace, and a balcony that overlooks the tea garden. This arrangement supports both productivity and quiet moments. The third level offers a calm space for meditation, equipped with operable windows and storage for cushions, creating a soothing atmosphere.

Sustainable Integration

Sustainability is a key consideration in this design. Rainwater is collected in a reservoir and used for the outdoor shower, sink, and planters, reflecting a commitment to eco-friendly practices. A unified chimney serves all levels of the cabin, providing efficient heating across the space.

An operable floor panel adds flexibility, allowing occupants to extend their usable area and strengthen their connection to the outdoors. Sliding windows that reach the roof height allow for fresh air and natural light, enhancing the living experience and reinforcing the cabin's relationship with its 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
competition now

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