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Helophyte-Filtered Cabin with Octagonal Design and Natural Wood Finish

Author:
Koen Van uden
Helophyte-Filtered Cabin with Octagonal Design and Natural Wood Finish

Project in-detail

Constructed with innovative helophyte filtration, the octagonal cabin seamlessly blends natural wood finishes with sustainable features, providing a dedicated space for meditation within its tranquil setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a helophyte filtration system for eco-friendly waste management.
02
Features an octagonal shape that enhances natural light and airflow.
03
Incorporates a collapsible desk to maximize space for meditation.
04
Utilizes locally sourced wood for sustainability and environmental integration.
05
Equipped with a rainwater collection system for efficient water use.

The cabin serves as a quiet retreat located within a natural landscape. Its main purpose is to provide a space for meditation, allowing individuals to escape the noise of daily life and focus inward. The design concept emphasizes a close relationship with the environment, reflected in the cabin's octagonal shape, which promotes both balance and tranquility.

Design Concept

The cabin’s octagonal form is important for both strength and symbolism, aligning with the idea of the noble eightfold path. Inside, spaces are clearly defined, including areas for sleeping, writing, and cooking. Each of these functions contributes to the overall goal of creating a peaceful environment for meditation, ensuring that every element within the cabin supports this focus.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, particularly in how waste is managed. The cabin includes a dry toilet system that separates urine and stool, making use of a helophyte filter to clean the waste. This approach highlights an ecological commitment and promotes careful resource use by allowing compost to return to the soil, supporting a cycle of life.

Water and Heating Systems

Water collection is carefully planned through a system that captures rain and channels it from the roof to storage tanks for both cold and hot water. This solution meets practical needs while considering environmental impacts. Heating is provided by a soapstone stove that relies on wood or pellets sourced nearby. This method efficiently maintains warmth in the cabin while aligning with sustainable practices.

Interior Materials

Materials chosen for the cabin play a significant role in shaping its character. Wood forms the main structure, providing strength and a connection to the natural setting. The interior uses wool, recycled fabric, and cork to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The design encourages a connection with the outdoors, featuring walls that can be opened or closed to respond to changes in the environment. This flexibility provides an interaction with nature, allowing the cabin to merge with the landscape while meeting the needs of its occupants.

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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

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