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Heat-Treated Wood Cabins Embracing Natural Landscapes for Holistic Living

Authors:
Barbara Selinšek, Stasha Jobanovikj
Heat-Treated Wood Cabins Embracing Natural Landscapes for Holistic Living

Project in-detail

Glued, heat-treated wood forms the foundation of cabins strategically placed on terraced plateaus, fostering a strong connection to nature while promoting relaxation and community living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins are constructed using glued, heat-treated wood for enhanced durability.
02
Each cabin features a window garden designed for personal well-being.
03
Terraces provide flexible outdoor spaces for relaxation and social activities.
04
Natural ventilation systems are integrated to improve indoor air quality.
05
The layout emphasizes orientation towards southern and southwestern views for optimal sunlight.

The design is situated in a varied landscape that highlights the connection between nature and personal well-being. It focuses on five elements—water, air, earth, fire, and ether—to create a living environment that respects and engages with its surroundings. The main features are cabins placed on terraced plateaus, each thoughtfully designed to blend with the landscape while making the most of natural light and views.

Cabin Arrangement

The layout consists of a series of cabins that lean into the hills and float above the ground. This design fosters a strong relationship with both the land and the environment. Each cabin is oriented to face south and southwest, maximizing sunlight and offering picturesque views. This careful positioning enhances comfort and establishes a close connection to nature.

Outdoor Spaces

Adjacent to the cabins are terraces that extend the living areas outdoors. These spaces are designed for various activities, promoting relaxation and social interaction among residents. Whether connected to the cabins or standing independently, these terraces blend naturally with the landscape, encouraging outdoor living and interaction with nature.

Structural Design

A robust framework provides the necessary support for the cabins while maintaining an airy appearance. This structure is constructed from steel and reinforced concrete, ensuring durability and stability. Glued, heat-treated wood is used in the primary construction, arranged in a way that creates an efficient load-bearing system. This choice of materials aligns with a commitment to sustainability.

Interior Environment

The interiors incorporate cork and locally sourced woods, including pine and cedar. These materials contribute to a warm, welcoming atmosphere and are treated with natural oils for protection, highlighting a focus on sustainability. Technical features such as natural ventilation and renewable energy systems are integrated into the design, creating a living experience that encourages a connection to the surrounding environment.

The cabins invite people to immerse themselves in a calm setting, where indoor and outdoor spaces are connected. Features like window gardens and quiet meditation areas demonstrate a thoughtful balance between personal privacy and nature. This design fosters an environment where residents can enjoy harmony in their daily lives.

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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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