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Hexagonal Shelter Crafted From Phenolic Panels With Natural Wood Accents

Authors:
Laboratorio Sustentable, Ricardo Lamagni, Tatiana Rohr, Juan Duarte
Hexagonal Shelter Crafted From Phenolic Panels With Natural Wood Accents

Project in-detail

Crafted from innovative phenolic panels and featuring a hexagonal form, the cabin integrates natural wood elements and sustainable building practices to serve as a flexible retreat on the coast.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from phenolic plasticized paneling for enhanced durability and insulation.
02
Incorporates movable interior elements to allow for flexible spatial configurations.
03
Features double-glazed glass panels to optimize thermal efficiency and views.
04
Utilizes sealed acrylic bubbles for ambient lighting, reminiscent of natural amber.
05
Designed with aerodynamic shapes to effectively manage coastal wind dynamics.

### Project Overview
The Amber Soul project is a compact cabin designed for coastal environments, drawing inspiration from the natural properties of amber stones. The intent is to create a functional shelter that harmonizes with the beach setting, serving as a comfortable resting space for visitors while reflecting the characteristics of the surrounding landscape.

### Spatial Configuration
The cabin features a hexagonal layout that promotes an open spatial arrangement. An emphasis on flexibility is evident in the interior design, which includes movable elements such as beds and seating that can be reconfigured to meet varying user needs. The design also incorporates sustainability features, such as solar panels for energy generation, efficient ventilation for airflow, and rainwater management systems, establishing a commitment to environmentally responsible building practices. Additionally, the architecture is adapted to withstand diverse climatic conditions, ensuring its usability throughout the year.

### Material Selection
A range of materials has been thoughtfully selected to enhance the cabin's sustainability and functional performance. Key materials include phenolic plasticized paneling for exterior insulation, natural wood for structural warmth, and oriented strand board (OSB) for strength. Double-glazed glass panels enhance thermal efficiency and visibility, while sealed acrylic bubbles create unique lighting effects reminiscent of amber. This diverse material palette not only facilitates aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability against the challenges posed by the shoreline environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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