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Harmonious Retreat with Natural Textures and Balanced Light

Authors:
Steven Chitwood, Erin Graham, Megan Welch
Harmonious Retreat with Natural Textures and Balanced Light

Project in-detail

A carefully arranged layout enhances the interaction between natural textures and varying light conditions in a small retreat designed for relaxation and connection with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Duality in spatial arrangement enhances both privacy and community interaction.
02
Large windows are thoughtfully positioned to maximize natural light throughout the day.
03
The use of charred wooden shingles provides weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural stability while promoting sustainability.
05
The cabin's orientation is designed to optimize views of the surrounding landscape.

Cabin Duality is set in a peaceful natural landscape, where it aims to create a retreat that strengthens the bond between its inhabitants and their surroundings. The design focuses on the idea of duality, which reflects both the shared spaces of the cabin and the personal areas intended for quiet time. The cabin serves different functions, accommodating both relaxation and connection to nature.

Spatial Organization

The layout of Cabin Duality is carefully arranged to create distinct areas for various activities. Each space, whether for living, sleeping, or leisure, encourages activity and movement. This thoughtful design allows those inside to move easily between different parts of the cabin. The openness of the spaces enhances the feeling of freedom, supporting the practical needs of daily life while also promoting a sense of comfort.

Natural Integration

A significant aspect of the design is its focus on blending with the natural environment. The relationship between the cabin and its surroundings is central to the concept. Although specific materials are not mentioned, there is a clear intention to use finishes and textures that resonate with the natural landscape. This approach not only maintains harmony with nature but also elevates the overall visual quality of the cabin.

Lighting and Ambiance

Windows are strategically placed, and the orientation of the cabin is thoughtfully considered to maximize the entry of natural light. This detailed attention affects the mood within the cabin greatly. By utilizing the variations of light throughout the day, the space adjusts in ambiance accordingly. The way light interacts with the interior creates a fluid connection to the outside world, making the occupants feel as though they are part of the landscape.

The included mood board captures various textures and images that represent the ethos of the design. This visual aid emphasizes the idea of experiencing nature through the cabin's spaces. It showcases how the design encourages both comfort and a deeper appreciation for the immediate environment, making the project more than just a building.

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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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