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Laminated Wood Cabins Harmonizing with Forest Light

Authors:
Nicolás Vergara anguita, Benjamin Smart larrain, Andres Bezanilla veas, José francisco Paolinelli schulz
Laminated Wood Cabins Harmonizing with Forest Light

Project in-detail

Laminated wood structures rise amidst the forest, designed to capture light while offering spaces for meditation and retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins designed to resemble a lighthouse for orientation in the forest.
02
Central pillar contains essential facilities, promoting efficient space use.
03
Carefully placed openings optimize natural light throughout the cabins.
04
Integration with the landscape aligns cabin heights with surrounding trees.
05
Outdoor terraces enhance the connection with the natural environment.

The design features three cabins situated in a forest: Ozolini, Forest, and Lake Bezdibenė. Each cabin draws inspiration from the concept of a lighthouse, presented as distinct points within the landscape. This approach encourages a strong connection between the buildings and their environment, highlighting the interplay of light and space that creates a peaceful atmosphere.

Design Concept

The project emphasizes light as an essential element in the overall experience. Openings are purposefully integrated throughout the structure to create a flow of light that enhances interaction with the surroundings. By aligning the cabins with the height of the surrounding trees, the design promotes a sense of unity with nature, allowing occupants to feel both grounded and elevated.

Structural Framework

The cabins are organized around two main axes: a vertical axis defined by the central chimney and a helical axis that shapes the arrangement of interior spaces. The vertical design serves both functional and visual needs, anchoring the structure while enhancing its appeal. A central pillar accommodates key facilities, such as the chimney and water installations, and allows spaces to be organized fluidly around it.

Material Use

Laminated wood beams provide the structural backbone for the cabins, ensuring stability and flexibility in design. These beams support the central pillar and contribute to the overall integrity of the structure. Using wood reflects a commitment to natural materials, helping the cabins blend in with their forested setting while promoting a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Lighting Experience

As occupants move through the cabin, carefully positioned openings invite natural light inside, creating a changing ambiance throughout the day. This thoughtful arrangement encourages reflection and strengthens the bond with the outdoors. Up top, unobstructed views from the roof allow for an appreciation of the forest canopy, enhancing the visual connection between the cabins and their natural surroundings.

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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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